The homeless community in downtown Jackson is facing a devastating loss. Due to a decrease of $190,000 in federal and local grants, Stewpot Community Services must close the Brumfield Shelter for Men and Matt’s House for Women and Children. This unfortunate news carries a heavy burden: a 75% decrease in beds for homeless men and a 100% loss of emergency shelter beds for women and children.
In 1981, seven churches across many denominations came together to discuss a problem – feeding and caring for the growing homeless community in downtown Jackson. Calvary Baptist, Capitol Street Methodist, Central Presbyterian, Galloway United Methodist, St. Andrew’s Episcopal, St. Peter’s Catholic and St. James Episcopal lovingly formed Stewpot Community Services.
Stewpot’s mission is to provide clothing, shelter, and warm meals to children, the elderly, the disabled, and impoverished persons in the Jackson area. With their motto, “Faith Meeting Needs in our Community,” Stewpot acknowledges that every person is a child of God, and provides them with nurturing care.
In 1987, the Billy Brumfield House was opened as a shelter for men, named after a homeless man who died of hypothermia while sleeping in an abandoned car. The Billy Brumfield House is located in an old fire station and welcomes up to fifty men nightly. The Shelter operates a homeless program, a drug-work transitional program and a special needs program.
In 1992, Matt’s House was formed after Stewpot realized an important need for an emergency shelter for women and children. Matt’s House is located near Millsaps College, and currently houses up to 30 women and children every single night.
Unfortunately, Jackson is losing these incredible sanctuaries on November 15th. Funding is needed! Stewpot has also been forced to borrow money in order to pay employees, and needs over $60,000 to quickly pay off their loan.
Stewpot has touched countless lives, changing the hearts of those who have served and those who have received. Mississippi, let’s come together to support this extraordinary non-profit organization. If you would like to donate to Stewpot, please click here. Without these shelters, the homeless community is losing two great homes filled with hope, encouragement and love.
If you are in the Jackson area tomorrow, October 25th, please support all of Stewpot's incredible ministries at the Red Beans & Rice Celebration! From 11:00am to 4:00pm, bring your friends and family to the Mississippi Braves Stadium and enjoy amazing food, great fellowship, and child-friendly entertainment including balloons, bounce houses, and face painting! Local vendors will also be selling beautiful crafts. What a wonderful way to celebrate a gorgeous Saturday and support Stewpot! For more information, click here.
{Photos courtesy of Stewpot}
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
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