At least 35 churches in the Shoals area participate in programs or partner with other programs to provide shelter, food and clothing to the homeless community.

“Taking care of others is living out our calling to love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls and to love our neighbors as ourselves,” said Linda Kennedy, member of First Presbyterian Church of Florence.

Most of the churches in the community partner with Room in the Inn Shoals to provide shelter during the colder months.

Room In The Room’s mission is to provide programs that emphasize human development and recovery through education, self-help and work, centered in community and long term support, according to their website.

Christ Chapel, Crosspoint Church of Christ and First Presbyterian Church of Florence are a few of the churches that expand past Room in the Inn and offer groceries, food and clothing pantries and soup kitchens every month.