To volunteer with SafeHouse Outreach, go to www.safehouseoutreach.org
In the 1980s, Philip Bray used to go to Krystal on 7th and Peachtree to listen. Sitting in a booth he’d hear stories of runaways and child prostitutes and anyone who was in need. He knew that sometimes people just needed someone to hear their story.
“I realized that I had just wanted someone to listen to me,” said Bray, who rehabilitated himself from substance abuse. “I wanted to give that same support to these people who were in need of a safe space.”
From one person, the volunteer force grew to 200 and became a staple in Atlanta for those who needed help, and so launched Safehouse Outreach.
Through services such as mentorship and problem solvers, the nonprofit has helped thousands get the assistance they needed.
In it’s MentorPlus program alone, SafeHouse has matched over 500 caring adults with at-risk children. It also educated hundreds of teens in parenting and life skills in SHO’s A New Generation drop-out prevention program. And, an immeasurable amount of people have received a hot meal along with assistance to get back on their feet.
Vearnard Shell is Safehouse Outreach’s problem solver. If someone needs a hot meal, clothing, money to help get home, or whatever it may be, Shell works hard to make sure that those in need get assistance.
But before he started working at SHO, Shell was on the receiving end of its services. That’s what drove him to give back the way he does.
“I felt that really took the time to get to know me, and that respect and compassion is something I still hold onto and make sure to treat everyone who comes to SafeHouse the same way,” said Shell, who sought assistance from SHO when he was homeless. “It’s hand up, not a hand out.
Dacia Bracy, executive administrator, knows SHO’s outreach is nowhere without the principle of its founding roots. “Volunteers make all the difference,” said Dacia. “Participating in the mentorship program, night impact services, family and women services or anything that resonates personally, we welcome to SHO. We take care to break down barriers, and the experience is indescribable.”
Over 300 supporters of SHO came to fundraise at the Georgia Aquarium recently for the organization’s many programs and services. Through a silent auction and donations, the fundraiser raised over $80,000.
Resonating Dacia’s sentiment, Shell is encouraged by the caring spirit. “Spend some time here and meet the people. It’s not what you think, and to receive genuine compassion is worth more than any material they could recieve.”
In other news: The Water Walk will be held Thursday at Piedmont Park to raise funds for A Village for A Village. Founded in 2012 by Atlantan Chris Rich, A Village for a Village's campaign seeks to help bring clean water to people in developing nations. To register for The Water Walk, go to www.avFORav.com
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