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Friday, June 26, 2009 5:00 PM Hope Station celebrates opening By Rochelle Moore | Times Staff Writer Supporters of Hope Station's ministry in Wilson celebrated Friday the opening of the nonprofit organization's new facility, which they hope will enable it to better serve those in need. Hope Station board members, public officials and one of the nonprofit's founders met at the new 6,000-square-foot shelter for a ground breaking ceremony Friday afternoon. The facility includes a homeless shelter, food pantry and clothing closet for people living in the Wilson area. "The shelter was not on the minds of the original founders," said the Rev. Max Patterson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Stantonsburg, and a founder of Hope Station. "The shelter just happened because of the great need." Patterson thanked the city of Wilson for it support of the ministry and its lease of the former shelter on Douglas Street. He also recognized several local churches and others involved in the start of the nonprofit. Through the years, the needs of area residents have continued to increase but local contributions have many times helped fill in the gaps, he said. "We have grown significantly in the last give years and will continue to grow in the future and with the current economic conditions, it will only increase at a faster pace," said Linwood Boykin, Hope Station's current director. "Everything at Hope Station is free and we never have enough of everything." Frank Eagles, Hope Station board chairman, recognized the many financial contributors to the new building, several of whom attended Friday's celebration. "If you had not been in the old building, you don't know how to appreciate this," Eagles said. "We've had so many people who have helped us along the way." The Hope Station building was made possible by a $500,000 N.C. Housing Finance Agency grant and public donations of about $167,000 needed to match the grant. Eagles said that the local contributions were collected within 90 days. Many other contributions were received, including building-related items. Mayor Bruce Rose, also a member of the Hope Station board, said the name of the organization is fitting because the ministry has given a lot of hope to a lot of people in need. "Don't you like the word hope?" Rose said. "This is a place in our community where people can come and get help and receive hope until they can get back on their feet again. It's just a great place in our city." rochelle@wilsontimes.com | 265-7818 |
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