About Compassion defined is “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” Big Momma’s House is not just a home for the homeless. It is a home of hope, new beginnings and change. Our supportive housing will assist those whom are experiencing homelessness become self-sustaining and healthy in all areas of life; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our goal is to provide programs that offer our residents immeasurable opportunities to regain their independence and become contributing members of society. Big Momma’s House is not a “handout” program – It is a “hands-up” program. Our goal is to teach our residents to respect themselves and others by using a structured lifestyle which encourages responsibility and strong work ethics. What to expect when applying for residency… Once our facility is open, our intake process will take place at our main office. When applying you will: provide a photo I.D., be alcohol and drug free, have a general health exam, and not be a convicted sexual offender. The intake process is very thorough and can take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. As it is our mission is to provide safe, comfortable, supportive housing to our residents; therefore, NO illicit drugs, alcohol or weapons will be allowed at Big Momma’s House. What’s Happening… Big Momma’s House may not yet have our housing; but, it has not stopped us from aiding the homeless in our community. We are serving and assisting an average of 30 people a month with numerous services to include; housing, medical referrals, food, obtaining jobs, clothing, assistance with filling out various applications and more. How wonderful it is to be a part of an organization that puts others in need first! Story #1 In March, a woman and her 5 young children arrived seeking housing. They had lived with the woman’s mother most of the children’s lives. The woman’s mother passed away 3 months prior leaving them no housing. She asked her ex-husband if they could stay with him for a short time until she found housing and he agreed. This did not work out and he kicked them out. She is suppose to receive child support but had not received any, as yet. They then began “couch surfing” with friends and family until those sources ran out. During this time of hardship, she continually kept the children in school. Our social worker prioritized her needs. As a result of her relentless hard work and the compassion of a few community and family members, Big Momma’s House was able to arrange for 3 bedroom housing, beds for everyone, rocking chair, blankets from “Sleeping in Heavenly Peace”, dinning table and chairs, a washer and dryer, employment as a Nurses Aid, and food stamps for this woman and her children. Thank you to all of you whom did not turn a blind eye to the needs of this family. You are wonderful! Story #2 In April, a young woman, her husband and small child arrived at Big Momma’s House searching for temporary housing. This couple had already successfully done a job search and both would begin work within the next few days. Unfortunately their money had run out and they had to move out of the hotel they had been living in. They had been denied assistance at other local agencies they had visited. Our social worker began searching for housing and other resources to get them off the street. No housing was found this first day. They came back a few days later and had found a friend who let them sleep on their kitchen floor but now needed to be out of the home. Our social worker found a woman in the community whom cleaned out her spare bedroom, bought a new bed for the family and is allowing them to live their until they come up with the monies needed to rent an apartment. Anchor Salon generously donated hair cuts for the parents to begin their new jobs. Thank you to Anchor Salon and our kind and loving neighbor for making a fresh start a reality for this young family! Big Momma’s House will serve the community without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, or any other discriminatory ideals.