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On August 28, Stephanie Sorrelle, Director of Still Waters, held a roundtable discussion at the Friendship House with guests from the local law enforcement, Primary Care, the Board of Education, the Salvation Army, Hope Farms, Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, and many others. The discussion was about available resources and solutions to help the homeless population in Bainbridge. Sorrelle said the reason why she wanted to help was because, “in Acts 2 verse 42-47, it says that they all came together, and they used all their resources as one so that nobody was in need.”

Sorelle discussed positive scenarios that can or are being done to help the homeless. For example, providing help and resources, as well as necessities like showers. She also discussed the negative aspects of Bainbridge that necessitate the need for this initiative, such as a lack of awareness of resource lists, and a lack of shelters. Based on the city, there are many accounts of positive and negative initiatives that affect the lives of the homeless.

Sorelle shared her past about being homeless, and how she relates to others in the same situation. She described it as being “stuck in a cycle”.

“I slept in my car. I slept couch to couch,” she recalled. “I had everything that I owned. Plus, I had my two children… I worked and went to school and couch-surfed because my family wouldn’t help me.  So, I understand.”

Sorelle also stated that homeless people need opportunities. “One thing we need is a couple of businesses to go ‘I will hire homeless people, and it’ll be okay. We will work with them to make sure that they have showers, and we’ll work with them to make sure they have deodorant. And we’ll make sure they have the skills they need.’”

Sorelle and her team have high hopes and aspirations to help the homeless, but their first step is to receive a grant. Aiyanna Hagger, Housing Transition Coordinator at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, will help them apply for the grant. The grant will be used to help homeless people find shelter to sleep, shower, and eat. Sorelle stated her goal is to open a temporary housing facility for the homeless. The facility must have a temperature control thermostat, lockers, and showers.

Sorelle and her team are also working on building a website that will list resources that are available. Sorelle will have additional information at the next meeting on September 25 at 1:00 PM at the Friendship House.