Susan Schulz

Standing in the Gap for the Homeless

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Simple Needs GA founder Brenda Rhodes thanks a young lady who asked for donations for the organization in lieu of gifts for herself.

When Brenda Rhodes was volunteering in her community, she noticed some of life’s necessities weren’t readily available to people who were struggling and down on their luck. She wanted to fill in some of those gaps.

“This is expected, since every nonprofit can’t do everything,” she said. “It started with requests from residents at a homeless shelter. They were provided travel-size toiletries, and, at times, not all were available (such as deodorant). My thought was that it was stressful enough living in such an environment; having things that they need for hygiene would help.

“I also noticed that, when folks arrived, they often had a few things in a garbage bag. I figured having a duffel bag to put things in would also be of benefit. I started collecting bags and then eventually purchased them, along with full-size toiletries. I added pens and paper, as well as a refillable bottle for water.

“I also started volunteering to serve people who lived in the woods and residents of the shelter who were moving out and starting over. They were asking me if I knew of anyone who had beds or furniture.”

These volunteer experiences inspired Rhodes to launch Simple Needs GA (SNGA) with three initial programs: Comfort Kits, Simply Sheltered and Simple Household Needs. The organization became an official nonprofit in April 2010.

After a few years and more research into the ongoing needs of our community, programs for children were added: My Birthday Matters, Shoe Them Love, Uniforms for Excellence and Spirit of Christmas. SNGA’s programs meet the needs of families and individuals in poverty or those coming out of homelessness, while inspiring community members to provide help as well. Two of the seven programs are for those experiencing homelessness.

SNGA seeks to serve by doing things like bringing tents to people living in the woods, providing birthday gifts and party supplies or new shoes for a homeless child. The staff and volunteers work hard not only to provide basic needs but also to connect hurting and desperate people with the services essential for improving their lives. SNGA collaborates with other local charities and often includes those needs in its charity drives. A tangible example of filling the gap is the Spirit of Christmas program. If someone experiences job loss or a tragic event

Simple Needs GA benefitted from much-needed help on Volunteer Day.

after other nonprofits’ provision deadlines have passed, SNGA steps in to make sure even the latecomers have a meaningful Christmas.

Each year, the organization supplies comfort kits (bags of toiletries) for 1,400 people, furniture for about 160 individual or family households, birthdays for about 300 children and Christmas gifts for 300 kids in more than 100 families, Rhodes said.

J.H. fled a bad situation with her three kids and left with only some clothes and a few blankets. For three weeks, they slept on the floor of an empty apartment. When she shared her story with a friend, that person happened to be an SNGA volunteer. J.H. was introduced to the Simple Household Needs program and came to the SNGA warehouse to pick out furniture, kitchen items, toys and linens for her home. As she browsed through the shelves, she said, “I feel so blessed. I can stop crying now.”

A homeless man shared his experience. “When I was down on my luck, the tent, tarp and sleeping bag were a blessing and helped me get through a tough winter,” he said. “I feel as if I’m wired to help others,” Rhodes said. “My mother was such a giving person in every way. She and I were very close. I miss her every day. I’ve volunteered most of my life and also love RAK (random acts of kindness). My high school yearbook senior quote was ‘You can’t take from this world that which you have received, only that which you have given.’ Being able to make a difference, and giving others a way to do so also, is important to me.”

If you are wired to help and inspired to meet the needs of those facing difficult times, visit simpleneedsga.org, call 678-266-3344 or email info@simpleneedsga.org for more information or to donate. A wish list of current needs is updated regularly on the website. You can follow the latest happenings on the organization’s Facebook page.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.