Forget what you think about why people get help from nonprofits

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Every Thursday, a line stretches throughout Ellis Street, with people waiting to get into Gap Ministries.

The range of what they need can be anything from food, a trip to get an ID, cellphone help, adult diapers, access to a nurse and more.

The line isn’t necessarily those eager to get what they need.

The line is because most of these people have jobs and need one or two items to make ends meet and fill the “gap.”

“These are people that are employed, sometimes working two or three jobs or even working a night shift. And so they come in early in the morning when they get off of their shift. And the perception might be that person is homeless, and nothing could be further from the truth,” said executive director for Gap Ministries, Nomi Stanton.

But if they don’t come first thing in the morning, they’ll miss the bus and won’t make it to their jobs.

“It’s not always our homeless folks who actually are employed. They do have a roof over their head, but there are certain things they don’t have access to or they simply can’t afford it’s a luxury,” said Stanton.

That’s why when it opens at 8:30 a.m., the first hour is crucial to get through the line and get as many people as possible what they need.

There’s a misconception that those in need are jobless, homeless and just looking for handouts.

Instead, they’re people with jobs, earning an income. But because of inflation, they have nowhere else to go.

“The cost of everything is hitting not just us, but hitting people who are already struggling,” said Stanton. “I would encourage folks to number one, don’t judge a book by its cover. You don’t know if someone’s getting off a night shift, or literally, they haven’t gotten dressed yet to go to work because they’re coming down here. They know it’s gonna be a trek down and a trek back and so then they get home and they get ready to go to work.”

She said it’s “just huge,” the number of households turning to Gap Ministries.

On Tuesday, Gap had an event from 6-8 p.m. – an “after work” time - that provided a meal and showers. It was such a big success by feeding more than 40 people that Gap will look to bring that back every week over the summer.

Stanton’s other message is that other people might be in similar situations but might be too stubborn to seek help. She wants people to know it’s OK to get help; that’s what Gap Ministries is there for.

“Walking through the door and this is not a pride type situation. You’re going to experience love, comion and empathy. No one’s going to judge you and is going to ask you how you got here or why you got here. All we want to do is to be able to help you and it really is a sign of strength and takes a lot for someone to say, ‘I do need this.’”

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