Operation “Roof” Launching January 2021

Update December 2020

No one expected it.  All indicators point toward a growing number of families without a roof over their head by end of 2020.  FEMA estimates nearly 40% of business will not reopen.  Prolonged unemployment and the expiration of moratoriums on evictions point toward an anticipated surge in the number of families losing their homes by year end adding to the ranks of those already homeless within our county.   An ever-increasing portion of those living within our county are in need of food assistance as evidence by our local food pantries and the exponential increase in aid applications.  These economic pressures are having a social toll too as suicide rates and turning to addictive substances as a means of coping are both on the rise. Many within our community are losing hope. 

OPERATION ROOF 

The recently formed Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County is taking steps to offer tangible hope to those who find themselves without a home later this year.  Six churches, in conjunction with local mission partners are launching Operation Roof this fall providing short term housing and networking services for those in need.  The aim is to help fill in the growing gap for many trying to bridge between jobs and housing needs. The need in our community is greater than can be met with our current ministry partners and social services available.  Operation Roof seeks to serve as a expansion of these ministries and services.   

HELP FILL THE GAP AND SHARE HOPE

You can help in one of three ways:  Pray, Give, and Serve.  Pray for all of those facing extenuating circumstances and our collective desire and ability to help.  Continue to faithfully give through your local church.  Each participating church has made a faith pledge to support Operation Roof.  This is in addition to investing in the development of a long-term holistic model aimed at recovery and restorative efforts.  In addition to committing to praying and giving, consider serving as a Guest Accountability Partner.  Each family that we receive as a guest and commit to providing short term housing for, will need a partner who will help them work toward a more stable work and housing situation.  

For more information contact Marianne Butler, Homeless Coalition Director via email or your local church’s coalition representative.