Faith Hope & Love Community Enrichment Ministries Inc., led by Executive Director Pastor Moses Colbert, has been on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis in Gaston County, North Carolina, for more than three decades. Since 1993, the organization has served as a beacon of compassion and stability, offering food, shelter, and hope to hundreds of individuals facing life on the streets.
Through its flagship program—the FHL Rescue Mission—the ministry operates a day shelter open seven days a week, serving more than 100 people each day. Guests receive two hot meals, access to showers and clean clothing, hygiene supplies, case management, and support for mental health and substance use recovery. For many, the shelter is not just a place to rest, but a critical lifeline that helps them rebuild their dignity and stability.
The need is urgent. A 2023 report from the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness showed a 14% increase in homelessness statewide, with Gaston County among the hardest hit. Emergency shelters are often at capacity, leaving Faith Hope & Love to fill the gap. Without intervention, individuals risk cycling through costly systems like hospitals and jails—solutions that fail to address the root causes of homelessness.
The FHL Rescue Mission takes a trauma-informed, holistic approach, recognizing that homelessness is rarely just about housing. Clients often struggle with untreated illness, addiction, or systemic barriers to employment and education. By pairing daily survival services with long-term support such as GED preparation, job readiness, and housing referrals, the ministry empowers individuals to take steps toward independence.
The organization is now seeking grant funding to sustain and expand its work. The requested funds will go directly to critical operations: meals, staffing, hygiene supplies, facility costs, and expanded programming. With monthly expenses totaling $10,594.19, support from grantmakers and community partners is essential to keeping the doors open and the mission thriving.
Looking forward, Faith Hope & Love envisions building 200 affordable micro-units to provide permanent housing solutions in Gaston County. Until then, the FHL Rescue Mission continues to stand as a launchpad for transformation—restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity for those who need it most.
“Homelessness is not the end of the story,” says Pastor Colbert. “With compassion, resources, and community support, we can change lives and end the cycle of despair.”
