HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — One Huntsville group just launched a program to help people going through tough times get back on their feet.
Huntsville's Community of Hope wants to provide an alternative to panhandling for through their Restoration Works program local homeless people who need income. Their plan is for people to create and sell hand-crafted items to the public through the organization with the proceeds going back to the person who made it. The program, and others offered by Community of Hope, are modeled on a successful program in Austin, TX called Community First.
Mandy Kilgore, President & Chief Goodness Officer, says, "You find this desire for so many things such as work, community, friendship. There's so much passion in the camps. And so, exposing goodness is one of our taglines and that's what we want to do. Those that don't have income, their social security disability, vet checks, we will provide that income through restoration works."
The group is also working to build a residential community where the chronically homeless can find a job and pay for a home while receiving the help that they need to regain their lives. When finished, the community will include trailers, campers, tiny houses, mental health services, job training, and educational opportunities.