Nspire Outreach aims to change the lives of those homeless by offering tools for long-term success and the opportunity to feel safe and secure.
Nspire Outreach, a faith-based ministry in Lawrenceville, GA, does more than offer homeless people a hot meal and a night's lodging. Nspire offers them a path to getting off the streets for good.
"We've been a church organization for 23 years," says Executive Director Gregg Kennard. "We were a conventional church that was always outreach-minded. We always believed in serving the homeless. But 15 years ago, we transitioned to a program to end homelessness."
"We provide therapy, housing, continuing education and, of course, the faith component is important," says Kennard. "We train them for our call center. We teach them warehouse work. All of this is a steppingstone to getting off the street."
Nspire has helped 1,500 people in the last 15 years. They can serve 70 at a time in the program that is funded by grants and donations of money and goods. Donated items are used for the clients or sold in bulk to thrift stores to help offset the costs of transportation, counseling and lodging.
Successfully completing the program takes six months to two years, depending on the person's goals, Kennard says. Nspire works with clients helping them save money, improve credit scores and go back to school.
"We push the educational component in a big way," says Kennard, adding that many get their GED and some complete technical college. "We believe they can elevate their lives through school."
"We have so many great stories," he says. "Getting a GED and a technical college certification has happened for many of the mothers we've helped. One got a license in cosmetology, and now she's cutting hair. Another man came to us from prison three years ago. He got his CDL (commercial driver's license) and is on the road these days. He calls in all the time to tell us how good he's doing."
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