NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Transitioning from homelessness starts by restoring dignity. Now, there's a new space -- renovated with redemption in mind.
"This facility is in our downstairs basement. People who walk through our front door will never see it," said Stephen Handy.
Handy is the pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church in downtown Nashville.
"We leverage[d] our building to serve as a incubator for those who, many people call homeless, we call neighbors," he said.
They call the incubator "The Foundry" -- a non-profit service of Restoration Pointe. The facility holds eight men at a time. Tenants pay rent and in return, they get a support system, health care services and on-site counseling.
"We do job training, job placement, physical fitness training, meals," he said, "We just don’t serve people. We walk alongside people. We know the names of people, embrace their reality," he said.
The building's reality - it needed a major make-over. The "before" and "after" pictures show the transformation. Now, The Foundry is 25,000 square feet of living space for men like George Vincent.
Vincent says he's struggled with alcoholism and subsequently, homelessness. Now, that life is behind him and he's enjoying a restoration of his own.
Many community partners like Giarratana Development, Complete Punch & Complete Cleaning, Daltile, Thornhill Company, Tennessee Marble & Tile and BEAM Electric came together on this project, donating time and money and services. If you would like to learn more click here.
