TESTIMONY … The Sanctuary Homeless Shelter held its annual banquet to help support the homeless and their needs. Presenting a testimony at the banquet were Chrys (left) and Herman (right) Montgomery, who spoke about being homeowners for the first time and how their lives have changed after spending four months at the shelter.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Sanctuary Homeless Shelter held its annual banquet on Tuesday, April 21, at New Hope Community Church in Bryan.
This year’s banquet theme is Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, with the tables for the event decorated in red, white and blue and patriotic music playing in the background.
A silent auction was held featuring over 150 items, which helped raise funds for the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter. The shelter provides a place to stay and assistance for those who are going through tough times in their lives.
This year’s goal, according to Pastor Mike Kelly, is to raise $250,000 for the shelter located in downtown Bryan.
SHELTER EXPANSION
Kelly told the audience it has been an incredible year for the shelter, especially after they purchased two buildings which are separated from their current building by an alley.
“I would say truthfully there has been no year like this last year,” said Kelly. “It is shaped up to be just last year was unbelievable beyond the previous.
“Also, the things that God let us do this last year. I’ve been hanging around this place since we started it.”
Kelly gave one example of what God did last year for the shelter. He said that back in late November, the shelter had its annual board meeting, and he presented an idea of buying the building next door to the shelter because he knew it was for sale.
The current shelter is landlocked and unable to expand on its existing site.
“I presented the idea to the board of buying the building next door that has Dad’s Place on the first floor and has two apartments on the second floor,” said Kelly.
“We had about $50,000 in the bank we had accumulated, and the building was $250,000.
“I thought we could go and buy the building and finance the rest of the building using the rents from the first floor to help pay the building off.
“That was about 5 o’clock on Wednesday night, so we needed a little over $200,000 to do all the everything to be able to buy the building. By Friday at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the Lord had given us $220,000 in less than 48 hours, and it didn’t stop.”
Kelly admitted that he entertained a wild idea after they had bought the Dad’s Place building and still had $50,000 remaining. He showed interest in buying the Taco Nachos building, which was next door, and getting two more apartments in the future.
“Well, that building (Taco Nachos) was $150,000, and before we even made an offer for it, somebody came in and so we bought both buildings for $400,000,” said Kelly.
“We haven’t purchased the building yet because the present owner is having a very difficult time getting a title for some reason. We’ve been waiting on the paperwork for four months now.”
SHELTER RENOVATIONS
Last year, the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter spent $130,000 renovating the present shelter. A video presentation was shown of the renovation, including exterior and interior painting, replacing doors, and making improvements on the stairs leading up to the second floor of the building.
“It’s just a neat time for me to look at all the Lord has done this last year and to see the changes that have been made,” said Kelly.
“Obviously, the biggest change you can see is that the building was painted and gave us a sharp look downtown; thus, it earned us recognition for our effort.”
This year’s event will help raise funds to install new central air conditioning/HVAC units in the apartments and to make improvements to the roof, which has become a bigger issue for the shelter. The project cost is between $85,000 and $100,000.
The funds raised were aimed at urgent building repairs mandated by the shelter’s insurance carrier, especially in regard to the building’s roof situation.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
Jillene McMichael, a volunteer for the shelter, said it was nice to see all of those who came in attendance to open their hearts and wallets to help with the fundraiser.
“A great thing about these last two months has been a little hurdle, but volunteers have made it happen,” noted McMichael.
“In any component, whether it was donating an item, donating time, bringing something after we had posted it and asked for requests. Being here tonight, bidding on things and there are so many volunteers I just want to give a quick moment to give a huge round of applause to every single one of you whatever I got a name or not.”
TESTIMONY
The banquet was highlighted by the testimony of Herman and Chrys Montgomery, who were former residents of the shelter and now reside in Hicksville.
She and her husband had spent four months at the Sanctuary, which eventually became a turning point in both of their lives.
“My birthday is in October, and I guess that it’s the best birthday present I ever had,” said Chrys Montgomery.
“We are now homeowners and live in a trailer which is beautiful. I still sit and look at the walls and all my things, and I’m like this is ours.
“We’ve been together for almost 46 years, and this is the first time we’ve ever owned a home. Yes, we still have utility bills, still have lot rent, but we’re doing it. Without the help of the Sanctuary, we are never able to be the homeowners we are now. God is good.”
After receiving guidance and support from the Sanctuary, Chrys and Herman Montgomery continue to volunteer their time and effort in doing various tasks for the Sanctuary.
