HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Rose of Sharon is more than a place where meals are served, it's a beacon of hope for many here in the Huntsville area.
"It's for the people around here, the people that don't feel comfortable going to mainstream church services," said Theresa Wilson, CEO, The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen.
"Here it's a lot more 'lax, their genuine love for the homeless is apparent, there's so much love here, you feel it as soon as you walk into the door," said Ricky Vega, a Sunday service attendee.
As a soup kitchen, of course, meals are served, but alongside that, people can come to get more.
"Not only are they getting God's word but they're getting love too," said Wilson.
Wilson wants to provide a place where people are free to worship and free of hurt.
"The whole world is hurting right now, we do need hope, we need a place where we can come and hear scripture and just be loved on," said Wilson.
"This place, it's an oasis in the middle of all the chaos that I have to deal with every day, it's a wonderful place and I love it," said Vega.
RELATED: Food assistance in North Alabama
Today, Sunday, March 7, was just the first Sunday service at The Rose of Sharon, but moving forward...
"We would like to have different pastors come in the area. You know, maybe sit down at a one table and have everybody eat together, just like normal, Sunday family events," said Wilson.
The soup kitchen plans on having these services every Sunday starting at 9 am and is located at 723 Arcadia Cir NW, Huntsville, AL 35810.