MOUNT AIRY, N.C. – A homeless shelter got the green light from city leaders to expand its facilities Thursday.
For a few months now, the Shepherd’s House went back and forth with Mount Airy city commissioners on whether it could build a new facility, and grow its space. A new building will help more than double the women, children and families it can currently house, but the leaders initially said no to the expansion, saying it would not fit in the historic area.
However, people across the community rallied behind the shelter, and on Thursday, leaders reversed their decision.
“There was a little opposition, but I felt that we were closer to that joyful moment than we had ever been,” said Executive Director Mary Boyles.
Now, the shelter can move forward on construction, so 30 more people can stay, comfortably. Boyles says she rushed to the shelter to share the news with families there.
“We hugged and we cried, and they said we are so proud of you. I said, I'm proud for you, this is who we are fighting for. You,” she said.
The Shepherd's House will stay, and grow, in this spot near downtown. A haven for those - who need a little help getting back on their feet.
“The most important thing is that these people sit in like citizens. Like they fit in like me and you,” said Angela Shur, a bakery owner downtown.
When she opened her bakery six years ago, Shur didn't know she'd come face-to-face with homelessness on her first day.
“I came in the front door and set up my store,” she said, “When I went out the back that night - I saw a homeless family. It was the first time I witnessed it head on in my back parking lot by the shop.”
She would leave them food, right there at her back door. Then, she got to know them, and started seeing more families like theirs - all across the city.
“I’ve seen people walk by them on the streets and stare at them. But it could be that. In one split second, your life is changed, by anything,” she said.
Shur started giving her resources, money and time to the Shepherd's House – compelled by the mission.
Boyles says, with plans already drawn up, and the city's stamp of approval - they're planning to break ground in 2019.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WFMY News 2 App now