Head of the Giant Ministry's Women and Children's Shelter is currently closed, and we are waiting on God to provide us with a new location. The building HGM was leasing at 2136 Circular Drive was condemned due to the landlord making structural additions without permits. The owner made these additions between 2009 and 2012, and was fined by the city for not acquiring the proper permits and for not using a licensed contractor to do the work. In 2012 the owner was told that he could not sell or lease the building to anyone until he hired an architect to show the plans, acquired the proper permits, and hired a licensed contractor. Head of the Giant entered into a lease agreement with the owner in February of 2014 with no knowledge of these issues. Before HGM opened up for occupancy, the Fire Marshall and City Code officials were brought in to inspect the building and none of those issues were mentioned. City code and zoning sought to work with him over the years, as well as did Head of the Giant over the last year. Our partner churches sought to help us get the building to a condition where it would increase capacity, appearance and functionally. Obviously, this would have had to be done under a long-term lease agreement, lease to own, or through owner write-off of payments. No such agreement was reached. In September of 2015 code and zoning notified us that the problem with permits existed and that they had notified the owner of what needed to be done to allow occupancy of the building. Based on our experience with the owner and wisdom given by God, we stopped accepting new guests into the shelter and sought to transition the current guests as quickly as possible. Our thanks and praise to God for allowing Head of the Giant Ministry to successfully place the current guests into their own homes. Based on our proven success with the homeless, with over 350 families, and 200 single women having been transitioned, and a Gospel message resulting in 73 souls saved, we are certain that Head of the Giant is in the center of the will of God. We see this as only an opportunity to improve conditions and increase capacity for more women with children, and singles. Our heart is burden by the six to ten calls daily we are receiving from women unable to find shelter in the Augusta area. Yet, there is a period of waiting that is happening. As Christians that means for us: to give it to God (we have), to improve our infrastructure (we are), and to share this need with like believers (we are). How can you help?
Head of the Giant Ministry's staff and volunteers are committed to the work that God has given this ministry to do to minister to and transition homeless women and children. The shelter for men is still open and thriving. We are currently making plans to have our annual Christmas Party and gift give away. If you are interested in providing supplies, food, or toys, please contact Renée Reynolds. More details, including the location of the party, coming soon!
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AuthorsLavond Reynolds is the executive director/founder of Head of the Giant Ministry, Inc. His desire to serve Christ by meeting the needs of the homeless in the CSRA comes from a compassion for people and personal experience. Archives
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