Darryl Jones is walking, talking proof about getting – and giving – second chances in life.
And just in case anybody wonders about the good things that go on at the emergency men’s shelter and Hope House here in Henderson, Jones is a living testimony.
He’s been shelter program manager for just over a month now. But a decade ago, he was one of the first two residents of Hope House, transitional housing that helps men get back on their feet and become productive, contributing citizens of their community.
The men’s shelter and the transitional housing program are part of Community Partners of Hope. Jones was a guest on TownTalk Monday to share his story and to encourage the community to continue to support the efforts of CPOH.
“I went through a time in my life when I needed help, and I reached out,” Jones said. There’s an array of services and resources available in the area – from vocational rehabilitation to mental health providers and job training programs – and he wants the clients CPOH serves make use of them.
“If you apply yourself, you’ll be on the right track to getting back your life,” Jones explained. “You have to stay the course – you have to want it.”
Jones himself is a prime example. He was admittedly in a low place in his life back in 2014, but he stuck with it and was selected among the first two residents of Hope House, which opened in 2015. With a job in food service and things beginning to look up, Jones was asked to come to work as shelter manager.
“Of course, I wanted to give back, so I said yes,” he recalled.
Since its inception, the men’s shelter has been housed in the basement of the Presbyterian Church in downtown Henderson. But renovations have been underway at the former City Road Methodist Church to transform the buildings to be the new shelter home, called City Road Center of Hope.
Jones said the plan is to start moving “stuff” next week in advance of the June 15 move date for those who currently spend their nights at the shelter.
But it’s June already – doesn’t the shelter only operate during the cold winter months?
That was then, Jones said, and this is the new reality. The shelter intends to remain open all year long, achieving a long-talked-about goal.
The 365 Dream Team concept is part of what’s been going on behind the scenes to allow the shelter to expand its operations and be available throughout the cold of winter, the heat of summer, and everywhere in between.
The idea is to get 365 people – or groups, or clubs, churches or other organizations – to donate $365 a year toward the overall operations of the shelter.
He’s overwhelmed by the support, including donations of meals to supplies, snacks and water for the clients, as well as the monetary support. Please keep it up, he added.
“Without you all, we wouldn’t be doing this. You are our backbone and we still need your support” to provide mentorships, internships and being volunteers.
For Jones, the staff and volunteers became like family when he most needed support. “They helped me and I wanted it,” he said. “I wanted to succeed and excel.”
“I’ve got a big place in my heart for them – what they did for me – they believed in me.
Visit www.cp-hope.org to learn how you can help. Make a financial donation, sign up to provide a meal, or volunteer.
Send tax-deductible contributions to:
Community Partners of Hope, Inc.
P.O. Box 1791
Henderson, NC 27536
Please note in Memo Line 365-2024-05
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