Compassionate Hands
Imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.
Together We
Confront the crisis of homelessness, poverty, and relational brokenness by activating biblical truth in practical ways so that God's love is embodied through community.
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The Emergency Winter Shelter program runs from December through March each year. To accomplish this, we coordinate with over 40 congregations throughout Wilson County.
The program provides safe shelter, warm meals, and fellowship for our neighbors struggling with homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
In the 2023-24 season, congregations provided more than 1, 500 beds. -
We will do our best to accommodate everyone who needs a place to stay.
Our shelter is volunteer-run and space is limited.
Currently, with our limitations, families with children, those with physical handicaps, serious mental illness or individuals with pets will need to find alternative shelter programs.Anyone seeking shelter should come to our campus and speak to a staff member for instructions.
All guests must attend orientation in order to be eligible for shelter. -
There are many ways to serve at Compassionate Hands.
Each Church that participates in the Winter Shelter program coordinates its own volunteer overnight hosts, meals, and additional services.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator if your congregation is interested in participating in our shelter program.
Or visit our VOLUNTEER page to find out more. -
Compassionate Hands welcomes volunteers in every area of our community life. They serve in many roles, according to their gifts and talents and our needs.
It takes more than 25 volunteers a night to operate during the winter months. In addition, roughly 30+ volunteers visit our downtown campus each month to share their time.
Individuals interested in volunteering are required to attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation session.
Please contact us to inquire about upcoming dates for orientation.
Orientations are held on-site at the Hope Center.
OUR MISSION
To reverse poverty by ensuring every individual has access to essential resources, opportunity for development, and a Christ-centered community to thrive.
OUR VISION
To mobilize the church and community to rethink poverty, restore dignity, and empower transformation among the poor.
We are more than a homeless shelter.
Compassionate Hands is a proud member of True Charity Network, a national initiative that equips churches and nonprofits to practice charity effectively.
Grace Bible Church
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First Baptist Lebanon
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College Hills Church of Christ
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Lebanon First United Methodist Church
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Providence Church
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Cook’s United Methodist Church
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New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian
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Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian
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First Presbyterian
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Cross Point Church
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St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church
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Fairview Church
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The Bridge Fellowship
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The Glade Church
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Church of the Epiphany
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Maple Hill Church of Christ
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New Tribe Church
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Victory Baptist
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Samaritan Life - Hartsville
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Faith Lutheran
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Salvation Army
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Living Word Family Worship
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Immanuel Baptist Church
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Generations of Grace
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Westland United Methodist Church
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Shop Springs Baptist Church
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Abundant Life Church
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First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet
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Round Lick Baptist Church
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Watertown First Baptist Church
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The Journey Church
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Friendship Baptist Church
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Hillcrest Baptist Church
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Grace United Methodist Church
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Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
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Gladeville United Methodist Church
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Lebanon House of Prayer
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Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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Generation Changers
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Grace Bible Church • First Baptist Lebanon • College Hills Church of Christ • Lebanon First United Methodist Church • Providence Church • Cook’s United Methodist Church • New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian • Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian • First Presbyterian • Cross Point Church • St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church • Fairview Church • The Bridge Fellowship • The Glade Church • Church of the Epiphany • Maple Hill Church of Christ • New Tribe Church • Victory Baptist • Samaritan Life - Hartsville • Faith Lutheran • Salvation Army • Living Word Family Worship • Immanuel Baptist Church • Generations of Grace • Westland United Methodist Church • Shop Springs Baptist Church • Abundant Life Church • First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet • Round Lick Baptist Church • Watertown First Baptist Church • The Journey Church • Friendship Baptist Church • Hillcrest Baptist Church • Grace United Methodist Church • Mt. Olivet Baptist Church • Gladeville United Methodist Church • Lebanon House of Prayer • Bethlehem United Methodist Church • Generation Changers •
Compassionate Hands is an extension of Wilson County Churches. We are grateful for our network of churches that make all we do possible. Contact us for more information on how your organization can be a partner.
MINISTRY PARTNERS
John Grant
Founder of Compassionate Hands
John Grant stepped away from staff after 12 years of faithful service ministering to the poor. Through his obedience and partnership with Christ, God brought a miracle to Wilson County—uniting churches across denominations to love our unhoused neighbors as one body, the mission continues to grow even stronger, rooted in the same spirit of collaboration, compassion, and Christ-like love that began this work.
Compassionate Hands began in 2012 when a group of Christians set out to ensure that nobody froze to death in Wilson County. By December 2013, a network of eight churches formed and used their locations to provide winter shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness.
By 2020 through God’s provision we were able to buy the building at 214 North College Street; the Center for Hope and Renewal. Now as a network of over 40 churches with hundreds of compassionate hands serving for God’s glory, we are blessed with opportunities to expand services and provide year-round support for neighbors in need.
God has been working through Compassionate Hands since 2013, check out the video and see how!
Compassionate Hands 10th Anniversary
