Always know “It’s what’s on the inside that counts,” and always know there always is a home for every person in DeKalb County, Tennessee.
And especially during the current frigid weather, the good news is that the local homeless shelter, Live and Let Live, will be open 24 hours daily, seven days per week, contingent upon a massive influx of volunteer assistants.
Notwithstanding, it is an establishment filled with love and assistance. Its christening name is “Live and Let Live,” and for many persons, it is a home away from life’s current weather elements and socio-economic problems. Its ideology could be “What you are like on the inside is more significant than how you look on the outside.” The physical address for the shelter is 656B West Broad Street, Smithville, Tennessee 37166, or within hollering distance from the DeKalb County Courthouse.
In an interview last Tuesday, shelter treasurer, spokesman and friend, Bill Gash recalled, “Currently, we have about seven to ten persons who stay overnight in the shelter, while a somewhat lower number comes inside for dinner and a shower.” Gash is in the process of locating volunteers to cover the shifts for the 24-hours. In addition, most donations are accepted, especially since the shelter recently has enlarged and the weather recently has turned deadly.
“If we’re able to share the love of Jesus with others, while showing kindness and compassion, they’re going to know that we care about them. That can give them hope,” said board member Gash in a recent interview.
Biblically, the phrase is taken from Matthew 5:8. In today’s English interpretation, the phrase means: “A person’s true character, values and personality are more important than their outward appearance.” This seems to be the major underlying resume of the shelter.
Differing DeKalb County church organizations now encompass the majority of the volunteer list. Some guests only visit the shelter to receive food and a shower. Others stay all day and all night. The shelter’s daily hours are from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m., but hours somewhat will change when/if the 24-hour day is formulated. Gash reiterated that the reasoning for the full day’s inception is because the daily temperatures have not reached above freezing in several days. “Our citizens need a warm place to stay, be fed, and be clean,” Gash commented.
During this very inclement winter weather, Gash said that some local homeless individuals usually sleep in their cars or in tents, which are scattered throughout the town. Personal heating choices were not revealed.
“It might not have all the amenities but it will keep guests fed, clean, and warm during this absorbent frigid weather we have been experiencing,” Gash recalled. Then and now, the house offers local citizens the following: “They’re provided a meal. They have the opportunity to take a shower. They’re also able to do laundry and receive the essential services they may not get while being out on the street,” Gash said. To reiterate the total phase and to apply toward the total description of the homeless shelter, "It’s what’s inside those counts."
“We don’t know for certain how many homeless guests are in DeKalb County. I’ve heard numbers from 70 to 80,” Gash said. “With greater capacity, I hope the shelter’s outreach (contacts) will grow.”
In a recent interview with this newspaper, DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray said that the major and number one problem in this county was the "homeless population." Interestingly, it was not drugs, as it has been for many years.
“The church groups, “Gash said, “are very supportive.” And on another sidebar, there is an ample number of games, such as checkers and monopoly, and bedding cots and a television for enjoyment and participation.
Currently, the shelter is in need of many more volunteers and homeland donations, while offering everything that can be found in a home – we do laundry; provide showers; help with additional lifestyle activities; and provide three full hot meals daily.
In a recent interview with this newspaper, Sheriff Patrick Ray emphasized the greatest problem now in DeKalb County is not drugs – it is the homeless population.
The following information is the shelter’s contact information:
To volunteer: 615-281-9799.
To donate items: Bring by the shelter at 656B West Broad Street, Smithville, Tennessee. Or contact Bill Gash at 414 Love Lane, Smithville, Tennessee 37166.
Either way, all contact information will be directed to the appropriate departmental personnel.
