CareNet Connection, a non-profit ministry organization launched by First Baptist Church, Fultondale, plans to develop the model for caring to Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
Jim Branum, director of CareNet and previously on staff with First, Fultondale, said, “I want to be the pastor to those who have no pastor.”
Comparing the concept to that of a welcome center as you cross the state line, Branum has a vision of one location providing all information for evacuees.
CareNet has acquired an old Winn-Dixie property and an empty church property, both in Fultondale.
These two properties are being transformed into welcome centers where visitors will find information about housing, financial and legal assistance, medical care, schools, transportation, food, job training and other needs.
“We are going to be the activity center, the information center,” Branum said, noting Samford University has committed faculty, staff and students to help with exercise programs, medical programs, etc. “We are ready to start once we can get the buildings open and working.”
The Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Foundation has agreed to pay the initial utilities for these buildings through the HEART Fund, according to David George, WMU Foundation president.
Wanda Lee, executive director of national WMU, said her office will also be facilitating a list of all missionary housing that is currently empty in the state and in surrounding states.
At press time, more than 60 people from the Birmingham area had met at First, Fultondale, to discuss how community members and organizations could work together to make this welcome center a reality.
North Jefferson Association, Birmingham Association’s MPOWER and Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries are among those partnering together.
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