Atlanta church inaugurates new homes for the homeless with blessings on Ash Wednesday

He moved into The Melody, a city of Atlanta rapid housing development designed to help people move into more permanent housing.

Jackson, who is also a state senator based in Stone Mountain, visited some of her parishioners who now live in the development.

The church members went door-to-door, greeting residents with warm smiles and hugs to perform the liturgy for any of their neighbors who wanted to receive the blessing. 

Shereetha Jackson, director of community engagement for the church, said the blessing “put some good vibes onto the doors and into the people.” 

“What you’re also witnessing here today is a community within a community,” she said. “They know that their church community — their fellow comrades — are here, and they keep a check on one another.”

One year ago, Thompson hobbled past Jackson. His feet were covered in blisters, and he carried all his belongings as he moved through downtown. 

Jackson called out to him and offered a cup of coffee. The church was hosting Common Soles, where volunteers wash and care for the feet of church members and others who spend long days and nights standing and walking on the streets of Atlanta. 

“My feet were swollen, and I was kind of down and out,” Thompson said. “I was hurt, and, you know, he fixed up my feet. And then he fixed up my soul. And then he fixed up my living conditions. And it’s just amazing. It’s a wonderful blessing.”

That interaction changed Thompson’s life, giving him a community to participate in and serve. 

Although he’s not settled in quite yet, he said he feels completely transformed thanks to the community he shares with the church and his neighbors at The Melody.

“Before, I had a hole in my heart,” he said. “Not anymore.”