Formerly homeless woman opens shelter for those in need during freezing temperatures

JONESBORO, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) - A Georgia woman is giving back to her community as it braces for more bitter cold temperatures this weekend.

Te Julianne Brown runs Cathie’s House inside The Chapel Jonesboro on Commercial Court.

Brown teamed up with the church a year ago to open the shelter with her husband.

On a cold Thursday afternoon, the shelter was filled with cots along with warm blankets and pillows to keep visitors warm.

“I want them to know that they’re in a place where everybody has the same heart as me. I can guarantee that every volunteer we bring into Cathie’s House has heart and loves to serve them,” Brown said.

The project is personal for Brown.

After aging out of foster care, she found herself without a place to live.

Brown spent countless nights sleeping in her car and says there are a lot of misconceptions about those experiencing homelessness.

“I never physically lived under a bridge, but I lived in my car. We have people here who are working and are homeless. I had a job, but I was homeless for a while,” she said.

Brown and Sabra Skidmore, lead pastor at the church, says unlike other shelters and warming stations in Clayton County, Cathie’s House will stay open 24/7 until the cold weather breaks.

“We are open 24 hours until the cold snap is over. We just can’t see what the purpose of opening and then telling those in need to go back out into the cold,” Skidmore said.

The Chapel Jonesboro and Cathie’s House are also collecting warm coats, socks, hats, gloves and blankets.

Those interested can donate gently used clothing or purchase new items for the cause by visiting the groups’ Amazon gift list or Walmart gift list.

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