There aren’t many options for the people who find themselves without a permanent residence in Statesboro, Georgia. There are a few food banks and thrift stores, but no homeless shelters. However, one faith based ministry is hoping to change that.

Open Hearts Community Mission is a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the homeless through providing food and shelter and promoting self-sufficiency. The organization is looking to build a shelter in Statesboro and is currently in the process of getting started.

Open Hearts Mission is not the only organization trying to assist the homeless. Many of the churches in Statesboro donate to other organizations that help the homeless. For example, Pittman Park United Methodist Church donates to and supports Open Hearts Mission. Other churches, such as First Baptist Church, give funds to Hearts and Hands Clinic of Statesboro.

Hearts and Hands Clinic provides free primary health services to those who are medically uninsured in addition to those who have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline. The First Baptist Church also gives funds to the Area Christian Together and Service Group which is a local food pantry.

There may not be many options for the homeless people of Statesboro, but there are people trying to help make their lives better. For those interested in donating or volunteering, more information can be found on the organizations’ websites. Those without websites can be reached by telephone.

Open Hearts will be hosting a western-style dinner Oct. 17 to raise money for the facility. Those looking to help can donate a monetary contribution to the organization or volunteer through their website.

For more information contact these organizations:

Open Hearts Community Mission: (912) 764-1870 or www.ohcm.org

Pittman Park United Methodist Church: (912) 681-3213 or www.pittmanpark.org

First Baptist Church: (912) 764-5627 or www.fbc-statesboro.org

Hearts and Hands Clinic: (912) 681-9519 or www.theheartsandhandsclinic.org

Food Bank Incorporated: (912) 489-1469