OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – John Carter, founder of Pursuing Life Center, addressed the Oak Grove City Council on June 3, sharing his vision for the creation of a large shelter for those experiencing homelessness. He explained that their mission is to provide emergency week-long sheltering and more permanent transitional housing, empowering people with the word of God while hosting support services.

The proposed shelter would occupy the church at 205 Stateline Road in Oak Grove, formerly Maranatha Baptist Church. Carter said the already existing facility has all of the elements they would need, with 20,000 square feet of space available for them to create sleeping bays, training areas, a cafeteria and worship area. They would also provide permanent address for those looking to apply for work, and the building already has a baptismal pool, and element that he says is key to their mission.

“I’m talking with the owner of it (the building) now, and I told him that I am planning on talking with the council,” said Carter. “Right now, we really wanted your blessing on this.”

The facility would provide a more long-term living solution for people in the community, while giving them the tools to make positive change in their lives. He said they would accomplish established goals through extended work with individuals, up to a year. They would offer classes in subjects like computer literacy, and financial planning.

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Safety and next steps

“I don’t want Oak Grove to be the dumping ground,” said council member Isaiah Spencer Council during the presentation. Others voiced concerns about the shelter, mostly regarding the safety and impact of residents that are in direct proximity of the shelter location.

The building is located close to the Oak Grove Police Department, which Carter believes would enhance the security of the area. He detailed that safety would be a priority, with plans to install a privacy fence, cameras, and work with a security company along with Oak Grove PD. People seeking housing would undergo background checks and would not be permitted to loiter outside of the facility.

Carter previously pitched this idea to the Clarksville City Council in April but he was unable to find a location that would suit their needs within city limits. He plans to coordinate with shelters in Christian and Montgomery County to find the best placement for adult individuals seeking help.

This is not Carter’s first experience working with the homeless community, as he does work with Right For One in downtown Clarksville. R41 provides assistance to the less fortunate through ministries including feeding, clothing, praying for, reprimanding, making hospital and jail visits, sheltering, encouraging, and baptizing individuals. The Pursuing Life Center is described as an off shoot of that ministry.

If all goes well, he hopes to have the shelter open by this fall pending the purchase of the building.

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