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Our mission is to create innovative lasting solutions to fight homelessness, hunger and poverty in Morgan County. Rising Up is developing temporary and permanent solutions and programs that will help individuals
and families rise up from homelessness and poverty and keep hunger at bay.
What We Do
Our mission is to create innovative lasting solutions to fight homelessness, hunger and poverty in Morgan County. Rising Up is developing temporary and permanent solutions and programs that will help individualsand families rise up from homelessness and poverty and keep hunger at bay.
Warming Center
The 2023-24 warming center season finished successfully but more work is to be done. The situation is concerning, as the number of young individuals facing homelessness is on the rise. Many of them have to resort to sleeping outside, in cars, or in places that are not meant for human habitation. It is crucial to continue addressing homelessness and providing support to vulnerable populations to overcome these challenges.
Rising Up plays a significant role in assisting the community, but they cannot do it alone. With the help of volunteers, individuals, organizations, and churches, the warming center was able to provide a warm place to sleep and a warm meal for more than 40 individuals for a total of 151 nights this past season. Interestingly, the largest group of individuals who stayed at the center this year was the 25-34-year-olds, accounting for 26% of the total guests. In addition, over 16,000 meals have been provided for the community, and that is something to be proud of.
Thank you to the community for their generous financial support and volunteering their time to provide meals for those in need. Your actions truly make a difference and demonstrate the kindness and compassion that exists within our community.
Testimonials
Autumn, who grew up in our community, was faced with the responsibility of raising herself at the age of 16, while also taking care of her younger siblings and picking up the pieces of her mother's failed relationships. Due to the overwhelming burden, she fell in with the wrong crowd and became addicted to drugs.
"I was going to school, working, and making sure my mother and siblings had something to eat. We lived in a house where many visitors came at all times of the day and night, but at least we had a warm place to sleep."
Despite facing difficult circumstances and being forced to take on adult responsibilities at a young age, Autumn never gave up. She worked hard to support her family, even as she struggled with addiction. Although she faced setbacks along the way, she refused to let them define her future. Today, she continues to persevere, working a full-time job and searching for a new place to call home. Autumn is an inspiration to us all, proving that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
Jeff, who was affectionately known as one of Morgan County's gentle giants, lived most of his life without a home, but he was a valuable member of the community. People often hired him for day labor jobs, and he was always willing to lend a hand to Rising Up! He was always willing to help with moving pallets, unloading food trucks, or helping with snow removal. Jeff passed away in February, and his loss is felt deeply by many. He will always be remembered for his generosity and dedication.
