According to a report from Alive11, Darryll Starks, the CEO of Ujima Way, Inc., has been making the rounds in Jonesboro, GA in a special outreach vehicle meant to find unhoused individuals, offer them supplies, and provide rides to warming shelters as the temperature drops.
From Alive11:
Darryll Starks, the CEO of Ujima Way, Inc., drove down to a few places off Tara Boulevard to reach those in desperate need of warmth and support. Starks dedicates his time to helping unhoused individuals survive the harsh realities of homelessness, particularly during dangerously cold weather.
“In 2019, there were about 19 people on the streets—now we’re at about 44,” said Starks.
The rise in homelessness, Starks explained, stems in part from economic struggles.
“A lot of these gentlemen have social security, but with $960 a month, you can’t afford anything,” he said. “The affordable housing crisis drives homelessness all across the country.”
On this visit, Starks brought warm meals, cold drinks, hygiene packs, and encouragement to those sheltering in abandoned buildings along the boulevard. Despite the threat of temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, many declined offers to be taken to warming shelters.
“When they leave this area to go somewhere else, their stuff is vulnerable. Their pets will be left unattended,” Starks explained, highlighting the obstacles that prevent many from seeking shelter.
Starks says helping the unhoused members of his community is a cause close to his heart.
“Everybody has a cause,” said Starks. “There are some people who are into pets, animals, the environment. My cause happens to be homelessness.”
“Those who are ready to receive their assistance, we’ll place them either in a hotel or a shelter. And those who shelter-in-place, we’ll give them additional blankets,” Starks continued. “We do what we can to be comfortable during this time.”
Starks began his work with the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch the clip below:
