Fayetteville Today

City of Fayetteville issued the following announcement on Feb 14.

City of Fayetteville and Manna Church leaders will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Manna Dream Center shelter at Person Street on Friday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. The Center is located at 913 Person Street. A tour of the upgraded space will follow the ribbon cutting ceremony. Media members can attend the ceremony and tour.  

The City and Manna Church are partners to operate the center as an overnight shelter for men who need food, laundry, hair and shower services. Lunch is available to anyone in need of a meal Monday through Friday. With capacity for 20 clients nightly and intake hours from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., shelter clients can receive referrals to agencies that offer mental health services, veteran services, employment, permanent housing assistance and help for domestic violence victims. Women are able to use the facility during the morning hours for shower and laundry services. Men, who do not stay overnight, can use the shelter during afternoon hours for shower and laundry services. Dream Center clients can also easily access the Salvation Army of Fayetteville at Alexander Street for dinner or Operation Inasmuch on Hillsboro Street for breakfast meals. 

“We would like to thank Pastor Fletcher and Manna Church for the great partnership and service to the community. The reopening of this space at Person Street is timely as families face the challenges of the pandemic and cold temperatures,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “Additional beds, appliance renovations and daily meals will help us fight poverty and hunger throughout the City. This will make a difference.” 

This site previously operated as the HOPE Center and closed after the pandemic began. Manna Church now provides staff and other services for operations to resume. 

“Manna Church and the Manna Dream Center are pleased to add this second site and significantly increase how we serve our City and Cumberland County,” Manna Dream Center Director Ed Robillard said. “A key element in our Church’s vision is to equip people to change their world and the opening of this facility and the expanded services are just one way we do that. We believe outreach is the heartbeat of a Church and the people of Manna, who are really the church, embrace serving.  Our church has a history of serving military communities and we care about all of our neighbors. We are excited about partnering with the City and other organizations to equip people to change their world.” 

This partnership is just one step City leaders and staff are taking to address the physical and mental health needs of homeless individuals this year. Renovations are underway at 128 S. King Street for a Day Resource Center which is expected to open in 2023. Individuals and businesses who want to offer health and counseling services at the King Street location should call 910-433-1590. 

“We all can do something. Working together, let’s address the needs of our community,” adds Mayor Colvin.

 Original source can be found here.