HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Rose of Sharon's mission is to show love and support by meeting the needs of the homeless and under-privileged. The soup kitchen moved to its new building on Arcadia Drive after their old one was condemned, and once again, they have a physical place to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most.
"We finally have a place where people can come in and gather, get out of the weather, and just be loved on, and have a good meal, and have a haven of hope," said Theresa Wilson, CEO of The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen.
Even without the new location, The Rose of Sharon community provided food assistance during the pandemic, and they are able to do this with the help of others.
"We've been waiting for two years now to get a place where we could have people congregate and to have a meal and be together. So, today means everything, because I know that the community is supporting us and they've been cheerleading us on, so this is a community effort," said Wilson.
People who are able to give provide a glimpse of hope to those who may currently need it.
"We run completely on public donations, we're not government funded in any way, so, we rely on the community to help support others in need," said Wilson.
So, what do those donations from the community help do?
"To love people and to provide just support, and just some kind of assistance, whether it be food boxes or meals, or help getting off the streets or into apartments. We will have a resource center with computers, we'll help people send out job applications, get their IDs, social security card, food stamp assistance, things like that," said Wilson.
The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen also has a shower, washer, and dryer available at this location. So, what do you need to have in order to get help from the people of Rose of Sharon?
"Nothing, anyone can come in here, anyone who's hungry, who needs love, or a word of encouragement can come in," said Wilson.
We're well into January and community-funded charities need your help. Many non-profits tend to receive fewer donations after the holiday season. Charities can be faced with challenges in January and February.
People with The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen say in order to help the community, they need help from the community.
Due to the pandemic, The Rose of Sharon is serving more people than ever.
If you would like to donate, visit The Rose of Sharon website homepage and scroll down, there will be a "Donate Now" button, and there are many payment options.