The COVID-19 pandemic slowed it down, but Meridian volunteers began construction on the shelters last year.
Slade said three of those shelters are currently filled, and the plan is to have all of them occupied within the next few weeks.
Women who stay in the shelters may remain there for 90 days as they figure out their next step.
A seventh shelter in the village houses security during the night, and the residents’ case managers during the day. The women can consult with them as needed, and use the computer available in their units to research job openings and conduct interviews.
In addition to these resources, the city, Amikas and Home Start provide, Slade said Meridian is using the Village on its campus as a ministry opportunity.
The church’s activities, including Sunday services, children’s programs during the week and ladies’ classes, are available as a way to build community with the residents.
“Throughout the whole process I just told the church to just keep praying and keep going,” Slade said.
“We thought if anybody is going to care for our community, it’s going to be us. If we can help them, we should help. Church needs to be a safe space, so we need to do everything we can to make sure women and children feel safe so they have a chance to hear the Gospel.
“We know we are doing this for the glory of God, and lots of different people and partners are really catching the vision of wanting to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
He encourages other churches to consider how they could minister to the homeless in their own community.
“I would say this problem (homelessness) is so real, and it’s time for us as churches and pastors to be creative,” Slade said.
“If nothing else, we can be like the four men who brought the man to Jesus through the roof. Whatever we have to do, it’s time for us as a Church to be as creative as those guys. God will give us the opportunity if we step out in faith.
“Our church didn’t start this idea just because it was creative, we started it because we saw the need. We can’t always sit beyond our desks in our offices. I would encourage pastors to think outside the box.”
This article originally appeared here.
