Five years and counting. 325 people served and counting. 103 people relocated off the streets or woods of Russellville...and still counting.
Those numbers represent the impact of the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless since its inception in November 2019. And the men and women who serve the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless all volunteer their time in an effort to meet what, for many, remains a 'hidden need' in the community.
Their ministry has not gone completely unnoticed, though. That's why Modern Woodmen of America recently recognized the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless as a Modern Woodmen of America Hometown Hero.
The Hometown Hero program is a recognition program honoring people who 'selflessly give their time to make the world a better place,' according to Modern Woodmen of America's website.
Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal financial organization that strives to give back to the community it serves. Local Modern Woodmen agent JJ McCormick nominated the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless for the honor, and presented its board of directors a plaque and certificate of appreciation last month. On hand to receive the plaque were coalition board members Doug and Betsy Green, Maegan Burks, Tonya Taylor and Jamie Reeves.
New board member Chad Sheffield was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.
“When I heard about the work done by the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless, I couldn't have thought of a more deserving group of individuals to receive our recognition this year,” McCormick said.
“This week I was able to sit and chat with Betsy Green and her board on the work they are doing in the Russellville community and the needs they are meeting,” McCormick added.
Doug and Betsy Green's ministry began more than a decade ago as Free to Praise Ministries. It began with the purpose of sharing God's word through teaching, preaching and counseling. In 2019, the Greens felt God's calling to focus on helping the homeless in the Russellville community.
The coalition helps provide homeless people with tools they need to turn their lives around, if they're willing to do so. That assistance can help those who are homeless obtain housing and/or employment as they work to become self-sufficient once again.
The Russellville Coalition for the Homeless is a non-profit organization that operates on support from businesses, individuals and churches. These services include providing emergency food, clothing or blankets and, once a year, a backpack containing supplies to help them survive in the woods, trap houses or on the streets. Those backpacks include blankets, rain and thermal ponchos, toiletries, clothing, bottled water and/or non-perishable foods and a pocket sized Bible.
Backpacks are given annually to any person in need, even if he or she is considered 'chronically homeless,' meaning someone who refuses to work, seek treatment for addiction, obtain mental health counseling or take steps necessary to get off the streets. But if someone refuses help, they get a backpack but are not eligible for assistance from the coalition for at least one year, Green said.
Betsy Green said less than five percent of Russellville's homeless are classified as chronic homeless, something she often shares when someone asks her 'why these people are too lazy to work?'
“That's just not the situation. Last year, out of all the people we helped, less than five percent were in addiction,” Green said. “Less than five percent are chronic homeless. They become homeless through a sequence of events that leave them no place to go. Some have children. Some are husbands and wives. There is some elderly abuse. And we have some people who come into Russellville and get stranded with no means to get home.
“They may have gotten sick and lost everything. There are all different reasons someone may end up in the woods, but only a very small percentage just refuse to work or are addicts,” she added.
It's the time of year now when the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless is stocking up on everything needed for the backpacks to be distributed in 2025. Donations are needed for large items including blankets, coats and shoes. The coalition partners with two Russellville businesses, the Pink Panda and Sharon Sells (Cotton State Barns), which serve as drop-off location for these larger items, since the coalition has no building or location to store items.
In return for accepting these larger items, the Pink Panda and Sharon Sells are locations where homeless persons can go to get what they need in the way of clothing, jackets, blankets, etc.
And if someone who was recently homeless obtains housing, the thrift stores have furnishings available to help set up their home. The stores donate some of these items, and the coalition pays for others.
Green expects to give away between 30-40 backpacks next year, consistent with previous years.
Additionally, Green keeps a collection of fast food gift cards that are 'invaluable' to the ministry. Donations of $15-$20 gift cards are also needed. They can be mailed to the Russellville Coalition for the Homeless, P.O. Box 415, Russellville, Al., 35653, or cash donations may be made through Venmo or Cash App. For more information on the coalition, call 256-815-5249.
“As a 100 percent non-profit, we need money to facilitate what this area needs. It takes money. We have donation jars at businesses around town. You can mail donated gift cards or use Venmo and/or Cash App,” Green said.
Not one to be shy, Green does not hesitate to ask for assistance from the community. And when she meets with a homeless person seeking assistance, Green must determine whether that person is committed to being 'all-in' to doing what is needed to turn his or her life around.
Two years ago, the coalition began a temporary transitional shelter program that allows criteria-specific homeless to immediately get off the street and go to a hotel for a few nights before they are relocated.
The program is available only if the person is awaiting a bed in a recovery facility or to return home out of area.
“It's a way to get them immediately out of the woods or off the streets until they're relocated. But it costs $200-$300 just to get one person into a transitional shelter,” Green said.
