By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
It was a message from God in the middle of the night which prompted Pastor Harold Holbrook to present a new ministry idea to his Fort Hembree Baptist Church congregation.
“You’re taking care of the dead, so take care of the living,” Holbrook said he was told that night in November 2024. Earlier that year, the church had helped oversee completion of work at Hayesville’s Freedom Cemetery, which is a cemetery with unmarked graves of slaves.
Then in December at the church’s annual planning meeting, the group discussed how they frequently paid for a few nights at local motels to help folks in need. Holbrook said the costs to the church were starting to add up. “I told the church we would have a place to house them for 30 days. When they asked me how, I said, ‘I have no clue,’” he laughed.
As it turned out, a camper was donated to the church. Besides that, they secured a camper lot at a reduced rate. Holbrook said they did not know much about campers so assistance from local builder Tighe White was invaluable.
Fort Hembree Baptist Church Hope House officially started in February 2025. Their first client, a young lady, moved in a few weeks later, so the home was fully operational in early spring.
Operated by Fort Hembree Baptist Church, residents are chosen by a committee from the church. Once selected, they may live there rent free for 30 days. Three people have lived there so far with all expenses paid by the church.
Holbrook explained. “It is used for anyone seeking shelter, due to life happenings, as a way for them to not have to worry about having a roof over their head,” he said. “We have had a lady that was a victim of domestic violence and a lady that was released from a rehab program and family wasn't comfortable with her being back home. We have also housed a gentleman whose aunt kicked him out because her boyfriend said to.”
Each occupant lives there alone, while working to save money to be able to move into their own place. Located at a Myers Chapel Road campground, the camper is close to town for groceries, work and more. Counseling or classes are only required if the church selection committee recommends them.
Holbrook and Fort Hembree Baptist Church are trying to spread the word about Hope House. He said referrals come from those who know about the program, including church members, local recovery programs and some affiliates.
Two of the people have transitioned to permanent housing and one person moved back home after family reconciliation. “One hundred percent of them have thanked us for the respite and giving them the time they needed to sort things out,” Holbrook added.
Meanwhile, Fort Hembree and Holbrook have plans to expand the program. “We are going to progress from here,” Holbrook said.
The group plans to obtain land and buy another camper so there will be two of the free 30 day residences. In addition, they want to place two single-wide mobile homes on the property they buy. This will be for people to live in for one year, with low-cost rent and expenses subsidized by the church to allow people more opportunity to save for their own places.
As part of the expansion plans, another group will join the workings of the church selection committee. According to Holbrook, they will form a separate auxiliary specifically for program oversight.
Donations towards the program are gladly accepted. “At this point the church is paying 100 percent of the bills,” Holbrook reminded. He said there are multiple ways one may help. To learn more, call (828) 542-1727 or email: Fthembreebc@gmail.com.