A Safe Place to Call Home

Brandi Harris was alone, homeless, and emotionally broken when she came to the Father Bradley Shelter. She had gotten behind on her bills and ended up losing her house. She stayed at a hotel for a few weeks until all her funds were depleted, that’s when she finally broke down and called Sharon.

Sharon Hazelwood is the director of the Father Bradley Shelter, and she has been with the shelter ever since it opened in 2001. Sharon explained to Brandi if she was willing to go through their program, then she could come stay. Brandi did not hesitate.

“It was such a huge relief for me when Sharon told me I could come stay. I was just so thankful to have a place to call home. A place where my girls could come spend Christmas with me. We are happy and safe here!” Brandi exclaims.

Sixteen years ago, Father Bradley, Mary Ann Thrasher, and Sister Mary Paulette Cain saw a need for a homeless shelter; one that would house women and their children in Henderson. The Father Bradley Shelter has served over 2,400 women and children since December 1, 2001. The shelter has five bedrooms and 22 beds along with washers and dryers, and it is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sharon states, “Several businesses in Henderson and many individuals have helped to make the Father Bradley Shelter a success. Numerous grants are applied for each year, and those grants help with housing, the upkeep of the building, and upgrades to beds, mattresses, furniture, and heating/air units. All personal hygiene and cleaning supplies are donated. Powder laundry detergent is the best, because it can be divided easily. The only thing we don’t accept at the shelter is clothing because we don’t have the room to store it, but our people are able to get what they need from the Salvation Army and St. Vincent DePaul with a voucher from us.”

Every year the shelter tries to get each resident a Christmas present with any money that’s left over from the year. When Brandi was asked what she wanted for Christmas she replied, “I could really use a new tire. It keeps going flat.”

Brandi got four new tires, a front end alignment, and all her car fluids filled for Christmas. Sharon recalls, “When I went back to tell her, she just started crying and it was so touching. I like a humble and giving heart, and it was awesome for the shelter to be able to provide her with something she needed so much.”

The program includes case work from the time an individual walks through the door until after they leave. Paperwork is filed and a case worker is assigned. Every resident must have a birth certificate, social security card, and Tuberculosis test before being entered into the Homeless Management Information System mandated by the state.

Residents sit with a case worker bi-weekly to establish and review an individualized budget based on income and debt. Goals are explored and a plan for the future is developed. Those who are not employed, begin looking for work within a few days.

“Many in poverty are not taught the life skills necessary to become successful. Therefore, we try to teach our residents and their children everything they will need to become independent and conservative,” Sharon adds.

A schedule of classes is posted each month for residents to attend: Life Studies with Zion Baptist Church, Domestic Violence with Oasis, cooking classes with the Extension Office, and financial (Bank on Henderson) classes with Old National Bank. The library donated two computers with math and reading tutor programs available for the children. Transportation is also provided to all Henderson schools and bus tokens are given to the adults, and if needed, professional counseling from Light House or River Valley can be provided.

Brandi explains, “We have a grocery list of certain items we are required to purchase each month. We are taught what items to purchase that will last all month and how to prepare nutritious meals. We have chores assigned to us each night and everyone does what they are supposed to do. Every weekend our bedrooms are cleaned and inspected by the staff. We also eat dinner together every night and we all help cook and clean up. We are a family that works together. It’s a safe place for us here and I’m so grateful. I’ve been here about a week and it has already changed my life. My kids are comfortable here. Everyone is like a family, surrounded by good people.”

The typical stay is three to five months, at which time the resident will have saved enough money to have a security deposit, one month’s rent, and utilities. Last year, 68% of the shelter’s residents were successful and are still in housing and working.

“As soon as a resident is admitted it is immediate relief that takes over and a huge weight is lifted off their shoulders,” Sharon admits. “Many are so broken when they come here, and then after a few days you start to see them opening up and smiling. You can see the walls begin to come down because they are safe and getting a good night’s sleep.”

“Many people are living in hotels or couch surfing, where people will spend a night or two at one place and then go somewhere else for a few nights. It’s not good for the children and it’s not helping the individuals get ahead,” Sharon urges. “If you know someone who could benefit from the Father Bradley Shelter, please send them our way. We can help provide a safe place to stay, and we can help them pay off debt and start over.”

Erika Henderson is a freelance writer and life-long resident of Henderson County. She’s a nature lover and enjoys cooking, baking, and growing her own food.