About Us

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. 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.

by the numbers

  • 15,250 total beds provided
  • 31,000+ meals served
  • 400+ people who spent at least one night as a guest – 90 men and 22 women in 2020-2021
  • 175 volunteer hours to operate the ministry every night of the winter. Hundreds of volunteers offered transportation, food, first aid, basic medical care, documentation assistance, clothes and hygiene items.
  • Over 50 Wilson County churches from 16
    traditions have united to serve.
Homeless Man

Vision

In 2018, the Board developed a five-year strategic plan that included:
‍- Adding two full-time staff members
- Developing ministry support resources -website, social media, online giving
- Launching a mentoring program with training in basic life skills
- Securing a facility with office space, classrooms, and guest services
‍
Thanks to God's astonishing work through Wilson County churches and volunteers, we completed the five-year plan in three years!

Current Goals

●        Develop a new five-year vision. Assess progress, review vision & mission, develop goals.
             ○    Now that we have a ministry center, how might we serve God and bless the                      community in new ways? What's next in the quest to end homelessness?                       
●        Settle into the Center for Hope & Renewal.

●        Improve the effectiveness of the board by activating a new chair, adding members, developing a rhythm of monthly meetings, explore possibilities for developing an advisory board.

    ●       Develop a healthy team culture within the staff

"You guys really do care."

Compassionate Hands Guest — Following a funeral service for a homeless lady.

"We have a wonderful little girl in our congregation who took up a collection of gift cards for the homeless at her birthday party."

Compassionate Hands Member

Team Members

Meriah Anderson

Executive Director

Marcy Carter

Resource Manager

John Grant

Minister

Melissa Marquez

Care Coordinator

Lee Respess

Care Coordinator

Mark Taylor

Director of Renewal

Shelia Weathers

Ministry Development

board members

Michelle Wilde

Mark Taylor

Sladen Bradley

Stephanie Pigg

Nora Chambers

Dawn Bradford

Ministry Partners

We are grateful for our network of churches that make all we do possible. For more information on how
your organization can be a partner, contact us at 615-784-9897 or info@compassionatehandstn.orgers
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Luke 10:35