NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A growing number of women and children in Nashville don't know where they are going to sleep at night.
Because of this, the Nashville Rescue Mission just made room for more beds. Families moved into the brand-new campus in Germantown on Thursday.
"It's been well planned, well executed, and just seeing the looks on the faces of the women when they walk in the door here, and they say 'wow,' that really speaks to our heart," said Sam Siple, vice president of Development & Marketing at the Nashville Rescue Mission.
All in one day, the Mission relocated guests to the new women's campus. The 71,880-square-foot building was built over the last two years.
"It's just the atmosphere is bigger, better, from where we come from," said Nanette Gilbert, a guest.
During the construction, women and kids stayed at the Main Campus where men slept.
Thursday morning they boarded buses and their belongings were trucked to the new 348-bed shelter.
Compared to the previous shelter, the new building has almost twice as many beds, showers, classrooms, and double the number of family rooms.
"I think people, ultimately, they want to be productive, they want to be self-sustaining, they just need some help, so we help with those immediate needs shelter, food, clothing, hygiene products, but we're also trying to give them the life skills they need," Siple said.
Last year, the Mission helped 1,800 women and nearly 440 kids.
The project cost $24 million. It was funded all by donations.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
