Pastor Mike Chambers of Believers Christian Church shows off one of the bedrooms in the new women's wing of the church's Samaritan Inn. The wing was completed, thanks in part to donations from the community.
Samaritan Inn has been open since 1995, and was the vision of former BCC pastor, the late Rev. Leslie English. His successor, Pastor Mike Chambers, is carrying on English's mission to provide a safe place for those who need shelter. And it hasn't always been an easy journey for the church.
"We've stepped out on faith to do what we do," Chambers explained. "We have no federal or state grant money. Everything we have done has been with free will gift offerings of the church and things of that nature."
A remodeling project has brought the Samaritan Inn a new multipurpose classroom, which was completed in December of last year, in addition to the new women's wing. A foundation has been laid for a new kitchen and dining room, as well.
The women's wing officially opened last Tuesday, July 13, with an open house, which was attended by members of the Anson Women's League, as well as various other donors who helped to make the new women's wing a reality. The Anson Women's League held a community shower, collecting bedding and other linens for the shelter, while Jim Martin and Martin Furniture helped the ladies secure the beds and bed frames. In addition, Larry and Nancy Woodall of Badcock Furniture donated a couch, loveseat and matching chair for the living area of the women's wing.
"This shelter will be an asset to our community and a lifesaver for women and children who find themselves homeless and in need of a safe, secure place to lay their heads," said Anson Women's League member Beverley Getzen.
The women's wing features two full bathrooms, the living area and three bedrooms— two that will sleep seven women each and one that will sleep two.
Altogether, the Samaritan Inn has capacity for 16 men, 16 women and eight families, Chambers said. As of Monday, July 19, there were five women already living in the new women's shelter.
Chambers said the idea came to him several months ago. "We started getting phone calls from people, families that needed help and we couldn't help," he said. "We didn't have room. I felt kind of bad because with the economy the way it is, people are losing jobs and they don't have anywhere to go. I thought about it and said, 'Lord, what do we do?'"
Chambers met with Dana Manness of Anson Bank & Trust, and was able to secure a loan for the women's wing addition. The loan didn't quite cover the full cost of the women's wing, so Chambers, along with fellow pastor Walter Ellerbe, ended up having a service in which they hosted numerous other churches. That special service raised $3,000 for the project.
"I thank God for everything that's happening," Chambers said.
But, he added, the Samaritan Inn still needs the support of the Anson County community. "What Rev. English, when he was living, tried to get the Anson community to understand was that this is not just our church. The people that come here are not just Ansonians. They come from all over."
In fact, Samaritan Inn gets referrals not only from BCC but also other churches, state and federal agencies, mental health agencies, the sheriff's department and local police departments.
Samaritan Inn provides a 90-day, 12-step program for those suffering with chemical or substance abuse problems, called Overcomers. It also provides a home for recently released inmates who have nowhere else to go.
"We're just trying to enhance our community and make it better," Chambers said.
He added that he's also open to pursuing grant money, which he's heard the Samaritan Inn is eligible for. "We could use the grant money if we could find it," he said.
For more information or to donate, contact the Samaritan Inn at 704-694-2996.
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