I don't know what mental illnesses these individuals are dealing with, I don't know what kind of trauma that these individuals are dealing with, I walk into every situation with an attitude that you have value, that you have agency, that you have the right to make your own choices,” he said. He always goes into each situation with an open mind. Evans said he doesn’t treat the homeless any differently because of their economic status. He enjoys listening to people's stories - although many of those are from homeless people who feel unwanted and unseen in Wilmington. “We added four meals a week, during COVID, for that reason, because a lot of people had backed out and slowed down their services,” he said.Įvans says the work he does not just for the homeless but anyone living in poverty is deep and meaningful to him.
He said he didn’t want to forget about the homeless who were suffering before the pandemic. “ picked up a lot more resources where we a washer and dryer trailer, we a shower trailer, we a clothes closet we do several meals,” he said.ĭuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Evans doubled the work he did for the homeless because of the shutdown. “We did meals, clothes, we would transport individuals to the hospital rehabilitation centers, we would help them get their IDs, medications, eyeglasses,” he said.Įvans didn’t stop there - in 2018 he started the Feast Gathering Church which allowed him to do a lot more.
Evans not only provided the homeless with meals, he also made sure they had daily essentials. And it was essentially totally mobile, I did everything out of my house,” he said. Because if you do, and I literally said this, they're going to go in front of the library and congregate,” he said.Įvans eventually founded Walking Tall Wilmington, essentially a mobile service he ran out of his house. I told several other people that you cannot shut this gazebo down - unless you have a plan - unless you have a way of addressing this need. He started off working in a day center at a church, which eventually led him on his own path.
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Reverend Randy Evans has been working full time with the homeless since 2015, and knows the situation better than many people.
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This specialized dual-licensure allows Open House to adapt services to the unique needs of each youth.Īll of the free and confidential services offered through Open House are made possible via the support of the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County, United Way of the Cape Fear Area, Federal Emergency Management Assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Administration of Children and Families-Family and Youth Services Bureau, foster care and Child/Adolescent Crisis Respite reimbursements from the Department of Social Services, local foundations (such as the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation and the Landfall Foundation) and charitable donations.įor more information, please call us at 91, or visit us on Facebook.Getting to know Wilmington's homeless populationīefore the homeless moved to the county library, the gazebo on WaterStreet was the place to congregate and receive food. Open House is licensed biennially through the North Carolina Division of Social Services for temporary Emergency Foster Care placements as well as for long-term Residential/Foster Care services. Self-referrals and those from parents/legal guardians are also accepted. Referrals are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from local agencies such as The Department of Social Services, law enforcement, Juvenile Justice, school personnel, and other youth serving organizations and professionals. All confidential services are provided at no cost to youth and their families, and continue for a period of three months after discharge, to maximize the success of the family reunification plan. Personal growth is encouraged through counseling services, vocational/educational opportunities, life skill building, and recreational activities. Open House does more than just meet youths' basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Children and adolescents ages 6-18 who are in need of a safe place to stay can receive shelter in the 24-hour, 9-bed facility. Open House Youth Shelter is committed to improving the safety and well-being of displaced abused, neglected and vulnerable youth.
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