“There are millions of homeless people in the world because humanity does not have a proper conscience.” – Mehmet Murat Ildan
Homelessness is a growing issue around the US. Despite the matter receiving greater coverage than before, the number of homeless people around the country is over half a million. A number of organizations and individuals are working towards eradicating the problem, yet sometimes they face some hurdles along the way. MUST Ministries, a charity located in Cobb County, Georgia, fought a two-year legal battle just to get the permission to expand their homeless shelter.
As per the zoning laws in Marietta, the location of a homeless shelter cannot be within 750 feet of a home. In this situation, one home fell within this area. As a result, the charity found no option other than to fight the issue in court and get permission. The zoning board refused to make an exception, even though the charity is clearly working for a noble cause. Eventually when the City Council voted, they reversed the decision of the zoning board.
The main concern among homeowners in Marietta is that homeless shelters tend to attract people with behavioral and mental health issues. Many homeless individuals prefer to sleep in the open rather than inside, which can prove disturbing for some people. The location for the shelter lies on a 6-acre area, designated for this purpose. MUST Ministries worked hard to raise millions of dollars to get the facility up and running before they hit the zoning roadblock.
Now that they won the battle, the homeless in Marietta can find shelter and the support they need to get by. You can learn more about this story here.
At Sheltering Grace, we believe any charity working for the homeless deserves great appreciation. We should praise the efforts of MUST Ministries, especially in the face of a major logistical and legal challenge.
Sheltering Grace Ministry, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 Ltd. non-profit ministry. We resolve the initial crisis of homelessness by providing mothers with a safe place to live during pregnancy. We also equip them with the tools they need to improve decision-making, enhance employment options, and increase family income to act responsibly as the head of their household. All of our services develop their self-reliance to progress to permanent independent living. Please join us in renewing and rebuilding the lives of these brave women – #Be1of5000.
