habitation of a building that was never intended as a home for hundreds of individuals that come through each year makes the band-aids no
longer effective. Rotting window casings, beams that are deteriorating to the point that doors can no longer open and close, a roof that
leaks in numerous places, plaster walls that are crumbling and wooden floors that are buckled due to the roof leaks, a poor electrical system
not equipped to handle the load, plumbing that was not designed to allow for showers and incredible amounts of laundry are just to mention
a few of the problems that are dealt with on a regular basis. Extremely high utility costs due to high ceilings, poor insulation, and wasted
space (i.e., wide hallways, floor plan that was not designed for living quarters), a temporary heating system that had to replace a boiler that
finally gave up in 2005, no central air, but hit and miss cooling done with window unit air conditioners, all leads to high maintenance and
repair costs, costs that could go into programming and direct service to our guests. Utility costs for 2005-2006 came to a total of $50,165.60
for the old school building. As we have expanded other programs into new buildings we have realized up to a 40% savings in utility costs. We
are conscientious about spending, relying on volunteers and donations of gifts in kind for repairs and maintenance when possible. This
project did not require the purchase of any real estate as we plan the new construction on our existing site. While the new facility has
approximately the same square footage as the old, a better use of space and lower overhead and maintenance costs will allow for better use
of funds. The central part houses administrative offices, the soup kitchen and a day shelter where case management and job training will be
done. The north wing houses the Night Shelter as well as laundry facilities for that program. The east wing houses the Emergency Shelter,
Transitional Housing-Levels I and II as well as laundry facilities and a playroom for children. The building is basic, no-frills, energy efficient,
and with low maintenance.
We invite you to participate with us. We will gladly accept three to five year pledges. Email us at diakonos@bellsouth.net if you’d like more
information! Help us as we work to provide “Hope for Tomorrow” for our guests!
longer effective. Rotting window casings, beams that are deteriorating to the point that doors can no longer open and close, a roof that
leaks in numerous places, plaster walls that are crumbling and wooden floors that are buckled due to the roof leaks, a poor electrical system
not equipped to handle the load, plumbing that was not designed to allow for showers and incredible amounts of laundry are just to mention
a few of the problems that are dealt with on a regular basis. Extremely high utility costs due to high ceilings, poor insulation, and wasted
space (i.e., wide hallways, floor plan that was not designed for living quarters), a temporary heating system that had to replace a boiler that
finally gave up in 2005, no central air, but hit and miss cooling done with window unit air conditioners, all leads to high maintenance and
repair costs, costs that could go into programming and direct service to our guests. Utility costs for 2005-2006 came to a total of $50,165.60
for the old school building. As we have expanded other programs into new buildings we have realized up to a 40% savings in utility costs. We
are conscientious about spending, relying on volunteers and donations of gifts in kind for repairs and maintenance when possible. This
project did not require the purchase of any real estate as we plan the new construction on our existing site. While the new facility has
approximately the same square footage as the old, a better use of space and lower overhead and maintenance costs will allow for better use
of funds. The central part houses administrative offices, the soup kitchen and a day shelter where case management and job training will be
done. The north wing houses the Night Shelter as well as laundry facilities for that program. The east wing houses the Emergency Shelter,
Transitional Housing-Levels I and II as well as laundry facilities and a playroom for children. The building is basic, no-frills, energy efficient,
and with low maintenance.
We invite you to participate with us. We will gladly accept three to five year pledges. Email us at diakonos@bellsouth.net if you’d like more
information! Help us as we work to provide “Hope for Tomorrow” for our guests!
| DIAKONOS, Inc. Fifth Street Ministries Do justice...love mercy |
The building process is complete! We moved into our new
building on December 8, 2008. Now entrenched in the process
of defining and developing our new programming, every day is a
new experience as our gratitude to this community continues to
overwhelm us.
However, we are still working to meet our capital goal. Because
of some cost overruns, there is still the need for $300,000 to
finish out this project. With your help we will be able to meet
this goal and we will be able to more efficiently provide services
to enable our guests to move onto a more stable and productive
lifestyle. The campaign, “Hope for Tomorrow” has helped us
address the serious needs of our guests.
Since January 1, 1990, Diakonos, Inc. (doing business as Fifth
Street Ministries) has been providing a variety of services to the
impoverished citizens of Iredell County and remains the only
organization of this type in this area. The mission of Fifth Street
Ministries is to “compassionately serve men, women, and
children in need by providing clothing, food, healthcare, and
safe sanctuary; advocating for change and offering hope.” The
target populations includes families and individuals whose lives
would be impacted by the offered services, primarily the
homeless, the working poor, the impoverished, the hungry,
those who are medically indigent, those in situations of
domestic violence or sexual assault/abuse, and at-risk youth.
These individuals come with multi-faceted needs, many times
ingrained by generations of poverty and dysfunction. Our goal
is to empower those needing help to improve their quality of life.
building on December 8, 2008. Now entrenched in the process
of defining and developing our new programming, every day is a
new experience as our gratitude to this community continues to
overwhelm us.
However, we are still working to meet our capital goal. Because
of some cost overruns, there is still the need for $300,000 to
finish out this project. With your help we will be able to meet
this goal and we will be able to more efficiently provide services
to enable our guests to move onto a more stable and productive
lifestyle. The campaign, “Hope for Tomorrow” has helped us
address the serious needs of our guests.
Since January 1, 1990, Diakonos, Inc. (doing business as Fifth
Street Ministries) has been providing a variety of services to the
impoverished citizens of Iredell County and remains the only
organization of this type in this area. The mission of Fifth Street
Ministries is to “compassionately serve men, women, and
children in need by providing clothing, food, healthcare, and
safe sanctuary; advocating for change and offering hope.” The
target populations includes families and individuals whose lives
would be impacted by the offered services, primarily the
homeless, the working poor, the impoverished, the hungry,
those who are medically indigent, those in situations of
domestic violence or sexual assault/abuse, and at-risk youth.
These individuals come with multi-faceted needs, many times
ingrained by generations of poverty and dysfunction. Our goal
is to empower those needing help to improve their quality of life.
A serious need has been addressed. This was necessary in order to continue providing as well as
enhancing the services we provide to over 800 men, women and children each year. As well as
providing a hygienic living situation with better utilization of space and more humane
surroundings, this building will provide a well maintained, homelike situation where people can
grow towards stability and healing. The current building has well served the needs, but years of
enhancing the services we provide to over 800 men, women and children each year. As well as
providing a hygienic living situation with better utilization of space and more humane
surroundings, this building will provide a well maintained, homelike situation where people can
grow towards stability and healing. The current building has well served the needs, but years of
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| DONATE AND PROVIDE "HOPE FOR TOMORROW" |
