I volunteer for a Miss. Gulf Coast Soup Kitchen. I see homeless men, women, and children enter our doors on a daily basis begging for a place to stay the night. It breaks my heart that we have nowhere here in the Gulfport area for them to go. I cannot see it happen any longer.. Winter will be here soon then what?! Can we keep ignoring these sad, tired, teary eyes that reach into our hearts and tear at our souls for help? I cannot.

 I see places in the surrounding wooded areas where beds were made to sleep. I see small camps along the railroad tracks made of cardboard and make shift tents. They come in long lines to eat a hot meal each day at noon. Most likely the only meal that they will receive until the following day at noon time.

Please help me, by signing this petition to start a shelter in the Gulfport/ Gulf Coast area, not just for MEN ONLY, but for women and children also. I have started researching methods of writing government grant applications, I have a corporation, 'Shepherd of the Gulf', I have formed board members, I have a secretary, and a treasurer, I am in process of appying for   a 501c3 non profit status. I intend to find an existing structure to house people, such as an abandoned elementary school, or other empty buildings, rather than spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a new facility. That doesn't make economic sense to spend for building, when you can allocate those funds toward furnishings, appliances, and materials for something already there.

I am planning on locating the shelter NORTH of I-10 in Gulfport. I understand that the homeless have been congregating to the downtown Gulfport area for many years. I hope to offer a more peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. An area where we could start a vegetable garden, flower gardens, have various farm animals, etc. Be somewhat 'self sufficient'.

This shelter could also be used for job training, child care for homeless single parents, a literacy program,a G.E.D. program, drug and alcohol counselling, mental health counselling, crisis , etc.

A screening process will be provided to assist disabled veterans to available services.

I will need the support of all for this vision to come to the surface. I understand that this will not be an easy project, but I am driven by the spirit of the Lord and therefore am very dedicated to see it through.

If you cannot sign this petition for some unknown reason, please say a special prayer for me and all of the homeless in this Gulf Coast area. I feel very driven to see this project through. I pray that the community and surrounding Gulf Coast will share in this vision.

Thank You All..

And God Bless the homeless,