Faith-based Memphis nonprofit collecting items to distribute to homeless in winter months

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A faith-based Memphis nonprofit is celebrating 20 years of community service by distributing essential items to the local homeless population this winter.

As temperatures start to drop, Joyous Connection Ministries is sponsoring a program to collect travel-sized hygiene products and blankets for unhoused residents in Memphis.

Action News 5 spoke with the founder of the organization Sunday, who described her own experience with homelessness.

“So for me, God gave me this organization, and I thank God for the family, friends, and church members who assist me because I am totally blind,” said Tara Tate. “He gave me this when I went through a time in my life when I didn’t have a place of my own to stay. I didn’t even have food, so I know how it feels not to have and to want. Once he brought me out of this, this is what he gave me: Joyous Connections Ministries.”

Tate also says it’s important to let the unhoused community know people in the city care about them.

Those who wish to donate can drop items off at Cross Temple Holiness COGIC, located at 3983 Geraldus Avenue.

For more information, call 901-315-4629 or email [email protected].

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