OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – John Carter, founder of the Pursuing Life Center, held a meeting at the Oak Grove Community Center to discuss concerns from citizens about the development in the city. The Pursuing Life Center is a proposed faith-based organization that will provide shelter to homeless individuals looking for a second chance in life, empowering people through religion. It would provide emergency and transitional housing for the Oak Grove and Clarksville homeless population.

“God put this on my heart about 15 years ago,” Carter said to the small group of residents who attended. He shared his background, explaining how he has worked at R41 (Right For One) Ministries located in downtown Clarksville for ten years and decided it was time for a new project; the Pursuing Life Center.

During a public forum on June 27, he walked people through the plans for the facility. Citizens that were in attendance expressed their concerns about the possibility of establishing a homeless shelter in their community. This included questions about the facility’s proximity to nearby apartments, how long are residents allowed to stay, and what the next steps are for the shelter.

| MORE ON THIS: City hears proposal for homeless shelter development on Stateline Road

Addressing rumors, intention of the facility

In early June, Carter shared his intention to purchase the Oak Grove building during a city council meeting and outlined his mission and plan to councilmembers. Originally, Carter searched for a building in Clarksville but was unsuccessful. When searching in Oak Grove, he found a building he felt was perfect for his mission; 205 Stateline Road, an old church and school building. The plan is to provide residential sheltering as well as a church for homeless living inside the shelter.

During the public forum, a resident shared social media chatter that implied Carter was bringing the shelter to Oak Grove with the intention of harboring immigrants in light of Tennessee’s new laws about immigrants in homeless shelters. Other people online spread rumors that he is scamming the state for funding.

Carter gave no validity to these claims, and explained the Pursuing Life Center is all about restoring lives as well as sheltering people. “We need the structure. We need the support,” he said. “We’re here to encourage you and we’re not letting up on that.”.

Due the services and job support that will be available, the organization will hire employees to work on the site but will also rely heavily on volunteers and support of the local community to uplift residents through their journey. Residents are encouraged to go to church services during their time there, as well as completing some volunteer work inside the shelter.

Find updates about this development on the Pursuing Life Center Facebook page.

| DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Christian County Now app