Charzie Kendricks, 64: Homeless man worked his way into church's family

When Charzie Kendricks stopped at 1328 Peachtree St. 10 years ago, he was a man without a family, a home or a history. But by the time of his death Monday, the 64-year-old had found a new home and written a new history with a new family: the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta.

"Charzie came to us on a very hot August day 10 years ago," said the Rev. Charles Black, an associate pastor at the church.

Mr. Kendricks was homeless at the time and began working as a volunteer in the church's clothing ministry. His primary responsibility was to clean and organize clothing that homeless Atlantans dropped off at the church on Mondays.

"He would individually wash each load, dry the clothes [and] fold them," said the Rev. Chris Moore-Keish, also an associate pastor. "When the people returned Wednesday, he was able in his gentle way to give people their clothing back, treating them humanely and extending hospitality."

Mr. Kendricks also found clothing for those who slept at night on the streets near the church, greeted parishioners as they entered the church, regularly participated in Sunday school, served on the board of the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless and delivered meals to homeless people living under the bridges of the Downtown Connector.

"I think his experience with homelessness gave him that heart of compassion to reach out and help others," the Rev. Black said.

Mr. Kendricks engaged in such work for 10 years, becoming a staple of the church where he eventually lived. He died Monday, three weeks after suffering a massive stroke. The church plans to host his funeral at 11 a.m. Friday. Haugabrooks Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements.

Mr. Kendricks' other interests included a love of food, the Atlanta Braves and playing chess.

But his life before the church was, and remains, a mystery.

"He just would never talk about it," said Mary Joe Dellinger, the church's director of community ministry. "He would change the subject."

Ms. Dellinger said that Mr. Kendricks did reveal bits of information in passing: He grew up in Atlanta, had a son and once worked at the Ford Motor Co. But the church has not been able to confirm that information or locate his family.

Nonetheless, church officials say, he had a family: them.

"We haven't been able to identify where his biological family is," the Rev. Moore-Keish said, "but he's our family."

The Rev. Black echoed that sentiment.

"He was loved in this community and well thought of," he said. "Perhaps that in and of itself was very redemptive to him. We'll always know him as Charzie Kendricks, a man who served alongside, touched a lot of people, and made life better for lots of people."