The bible mentions the poor over 300 times both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Jesus, Himself scolding His disciples said, "For you have the poor with you always,..." (Matthew 26:11)
With good intensions, most churches and even charitable organizations whose budgets can easily assist these individuals, often take days, weeks or months to help. Often times, budget committees, deacon committees, or boards are bogged down in their own bureaucracies to quickly help people in desperate need.
Homeless/displaced people are a very vulnerable demographic of our community's population. And vulnerable people may often react to us unnaturally when we approach them to help. Most are very desperate or in dire need of help and knowing how to react appropriately is not something they may be capable of communicating. That is why, not everyone is prepared to warmly interface with this group of individuals. It can often times be awkward, uncertain and even unsafe. This is where the volunteers with 3LM of Rome comes in.
The primary purpose of 3LM of Rome is to serve the homeless immediately. This is what we do. We naturally interface and connect to determine needs and learn about these people or "know their story." Homeless people are the reason for the ministry.
3LM stands for the Least, the Last, the Lost and the Marginalized.
The Rome/Floyd County area has a growing homeless population. Though our ultimate goal is to bring the gospel, 3LM of Rome works directly with individuals in desperate need of basic provisions: Food, water, clothing and temporary shelter.
We quickly discern needs, verify the extent of the needs and rapidly respond.