A Franklin pastor has given back to the community by providing men in need with a home for the holidays.
The Franklin Community House opened in September. The group home for formerly homeless men with disabilities is located on Natchez Street, and is the first of its kind in the city.
“I started running into men who were living on the streets and building relationships with them,” said Kevin Riggs, Senior Pastor at Franklin Community Church. “I saw a need for something to help guys get back on their feet.”
Pastor Riggs worked with volunteers to transform an empty home in to the Franklin Community House. They tore down walls, and installed new floors and wiring. The process took 32 months start to finish and cost $500,000.
The home has enough room for eight men, plus a mentor. Six are currently staying at the house.
Residents must pay a small fee to live in the house. They sign monthly contracts that require background checks. Residents must agree to stay sober and take care of the house.
In return, they have access to job training, mentoring and counseling.
“The biggest thing about people who are homeless is concerns about where they are going to stay that night,” said Pastor Riggs. “If you can relieve that fear, they can get the rest of their life in order.”
Douglas Hudson fell on hard times after moving to Tennessee. After living in the house, he is planning to move out to start a new job. He said he was grateful to have a chance to stay in the house.
“It kind of has me choked up,” said Hudson. “It was such a relief. It was a load off me.”
Pastor Riggs said about 4 men are on the waiting list. He wants to do more to help and plans to convert the apartments behind the home into low income housing. He would also like to open a home for homeless women and young adults.
To donate to the Franklin Community House visit the Franklin Community Church website.
