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.

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

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.

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.

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.