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HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A local nonprofit has filled a vacant ambassador position at Challenge House #7, with the hopes of supporting local youth and families in the Phelps Avenue area in downtown Hopkinsville.
The Men 2 Be organization will now act as the ambassador this this location, having previously served in the same role at Challenge House #2 on Bryan Street, according to Challenge House Executive Director Michelle Wilson. As they settle into their new location, they will reinstate daily snack distributions to youth and learn the needs of the surrounding community for outreach.
“Men 2 Be has been utilizing Challenge House #7 for quite some time for their group meetings,” Wilson told Christian County Now. “The officers of Men 2 Be came to us upon learning of the vacancy at Challenge House #7 and pitched the idea of moving from Bryan Street to Phelps Avenue, as they have clearly outgrown the small Bryan Street residence.”
More about Challenge House, more ambassadors needed
Challenge House #7 uniquely has a large, flexible gym space and other spaces for meetings, which every house having a different layout. At this time ambassadors are still needed at Challenge House #1 at 1001 Central Avenue, and at Challenge House #2 at 311 Bryan Street.
Each of the seven total Challenge Houses are strategically placed at inner city neighborhoods in Hopkinsville. Ambassadors provide daily services and act as a hub for their surrounding community ranging from snacks after school, to tutoring, programming and resources to enrich and support the neighborhood.
Former Hopkinsville Mayor Wally Bryan founded the non-profit in 2007, who was well known in Hopkinsville as an advocate for the homeless and struggling families, he passed away in 2020. According to their website, their primary goal is to link children, adults, and families in the inner-city Hopkinsville area with ambassadors through faith, education and fellowship.
Previous Challenge House #7 ambassador dismissed
A public accusation on social media earlier this summer regarding the previous Challenge House ambassador ultimately led to a brief pause in services at that location a response from the executive director and board.
“I want to publicly acknowledge that we are aware of a situation that has raised significant concern within our community,” said a public statement Wilson on May 8, “Please know that the matter was addressed immediately by our organization upon becoming aware of it.”
“At Challenge House, we take situations of this nature very seriously. The safety, well-being, and trust of the individuals, families, and community we serve remain a top priority,” continued Wilson. “We are committed to handling concerns responsibly, professionally, and with the level of attention they deserve.”
No criminal charges were ever filed, and specific details about what occurred were not released by Challenge House.
The Challenge House Board also issued a statement at the time saying, “We have spoken with those involved and have taken measures to ensure that steps have been taken to listen, learn, and further ensure that all our houses are safe places for all who enter.”
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