FAQs

Q:    Is Fifth Street Ministries a faith-based organization?

A:      Fifth Street Ministries began its work over thirty years ago as Diakonos, the Greek for “one who serves.” Founded on the Judeo-Christian principle of love God and love your neighbor, Fifth Street Ministries has long been a place of loving those neighbors who are often forgotten and overlooked. For us, the mission is the message.

“I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’….

‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these, you have done it for me.’” (Matthew 25: 35-36, 40; CEB)

That said, we welcome all people who are hungry, homeless or victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. We are here to provide the basic necessities of life. We welcome people of all faiths or of no faith at all to receive our services.

We are open to providing studies, devotions and services but we are not allowed to require them of our residents. They must be optional. We also provide transportation to local religious services upon request and we offer transportation to a local Celebrate Recovery group, which is a faith based recovery program.

Q:     On average, how many people are housed each night?

A:      We can house up to 150 individuals and families. On average, we serve 100 per night.

Q:     How many meals do you serve each day?

A:      We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, every day of the year. Breakfast is generally for shelter residents. Lunch and dinner are for residents as well as those in the community who need a meal. We also invite the community to come eat and talk with our guests, to get to know them and help support them. We serve roughly 300 meals per day, an average of 100 at each meal.

Q:     What do our services cost?

A:      All of our services are offered at no cost. Fifth Street Ministries was born out of service to our community and those most in need. We work to give ourselves away, providing the most basic needs for the most vulnerable.

Q:    Are those with substance abuse and/or mental health conditions allowed into the programs?

A:      Yes. Often these guests are the most chronically homeless and most in need of our services. We take every precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. And, we have great community partners with whom we work to help provide treatment as needed.

Q:      Do we allow sex offenders?

A:      Because we house children and families, we are not allowed to house sex offenders on our campus. The PATH house is open, though, for these folks to connect to other needed resources in the area.

Q:    Do we help people obtain more permanent housing?

A:      Yes. One of our main goals is to help guests build stability and self-sufficiency. Working closely with a case manager, each guest works toward his/her SMART goals. In fiscal year 2020-2021, 175 individuals and families secured more permanent housing.

Q:     Do we house children?

A:      Yes. We have six family rooms in our main shelter.

My Sister’s House also houses children who have experienced or have witnessed domestic violence in the home.

Q:     Does My Sister’s House only serve those who need housing?

A:      No. My Sister’s House, the domestic violence/sexual assault program, does offer shelter to those in need but it also serves many victims in the community through safety planning, counseling, support groups and victim advocacy. The 24 hour crisis line is 704-872-3403.

Q:    What is the Veterans Transitional Housing program?

A:      The Veterans Transitional House is a longer program for those who have served in any branch of the armed forces. This house can house five veterans, along with a live in case manager. The first step for veterans is to enter the main shelter. Then, after a period of assessment, it may be possible to move to the Veterans House.

Q:    What is the PATH House?

A:      The PATH House is not a shelter but is a resource center for the chronically homeless, usually those living on the streets, in tent cities and in cars. Here, they can take a shower, do laundry, grab a snack, warm up or cool off and be connected to resources as they wish.

Q: What are the demographics of the population served?

Fifth Street Shelters

Average Daily Occupancy – 49

Average Length of Stay – 51

 Race:

Caucasian – 60%

AA – 29%

Asian – 2%

Hispanic – 5%

Other/Multi – 4%

Gender:

Female – 34%

Male – 66%

Age:

0-12 – 11%

13-17 – 1%

18-24 – 11%

25-44 – 37%

45-61 – 32%

62+ – 8%

My Sister’s House

Average Daily Occupancy – 12

Average Length of Stay – 30

Race:

Caucasian – 42%

AA – 33%

Hispanic – 13%

Other/Multi – 4%

Multi – 8%

Gender:

Female – 80%

Male – 20%

Age:

0-12 – 36%

13-17 – 6%

18-24 – 8%

25-44 – 41%

45-61 – 8%

62+ – 1%