By Shayne Wheeler, Sr. Pastor, North Avenue Presbyterian Church and Trevor Atkins, Volunteer, Feet on the Street Ministries
To live in Midtown is to love Midtown. As the second-fastest growing neighborhood in the country for new apartments, it is an exciting place of diverse people who are woven into a wonderfully beautiful tapestry. North Avenue Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Peachtree and North Avenue, has been a part of this tapestry sine 1898. We have shared in the excitement of the vibrant growth of our neighborhood that pulses with opportunity and dreams. But we have also intentionally walked into the shadows with love and compassion, and there are many stories of hope to tell.
Darin Johnson’s family reported him missing in September of 2020. He was from Washington, D.C. and participating in a recovery program in Lagrange, Georgia. Their report said he had left the program and stopped taking his medication for bipolar disorder. Darin would turn up, like so many others, on the steps of North Avenue.
Unfortunately, Darin’s story is not unique. In January 2020, the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count identified 937 Unsheltered Adults in the city of Atlanta, an increase of 180 people from the 2019 count. Even as we write, volunteers are canvassing the streets of Midtown for this year’s count. It will be no surprise for the numbers to increase further.
When the pandemic hit in March of 2020 we were faced with the question “How do we serve our community through a pandemic?” As with most Churches, the answer was to switch to online ministry and services. However, there was one section of our Midtown community that we could not serve through the internet: our friends experiencing homelessness. Although our building was closed to everyone else, we would remain open for them.
As a church in Midtown, we consider it a privilege and a responsibility to provide a place of belonging for everyone. We like to say, “Those experiencing homelessness are not a ministry of the church, they are the church.” Yes, they need us. But we need them as well. We offer them very practical help. But we offer them the dignity of friendship and fellowship as well.
One offer of both help and friendship comes through our Urban Outreach Chaplain, Maurice Lattimore, and Feet on the Street Ministry. Each Sunday Maurice and his team provide breakfast, clean clothes, hygiene kits, fellowship, and a hot shower to anyone who wants it. The Feet on the Street Shower Trailer opened in May 2021. It operates at North Avenue every Sunday and at three other locations around the city during the week.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. A little compassion can go a long way.
One chilly morning in September 2020, Gene Woolridge, the Chief Engineer at North Avenue, did what he does every morning. He said good morning to our neighbors sleeping on the front steps of the church. On this particular morning, one of those neighbors was Darin Johnson. After hearing Darin’s story, Gene connected him with Maurice, who helped him get clean clothes, a meal, and food and money for his trip. Gene and Maurice were able to track down Darin’s brother in D.C., who sent a bus ticket to bring Darin home. On September 18 we received word from Darin’s mother that he was safely back home and with his family.
It is not unusual to want to help but to not know where to start. Simply giving a couple of dollars to someone from time to time can feel empty and even counterproductive, if the money funds an addiction. We invite you to join us in providing the type of help that can result in people making their way home to their mom. You can sign up to bring breakfast on a Sunday morning, store bought or home cooked. There are many other ways to help, including clothing, toiletries, towels, and finances. Reach out to us for more information or to offer help.
