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First Light Women's ShelterFirst Light Women's Shelter is a safe haven for women who have fallen through the cracks of the social system. This ministry of mercy is devoted to providing a clean, safe, comfortable environment for women who need an escape from harsh living on Birmingham's northside.
During these years, the demand became greater than the church could accommodate. In 1998, a group of churches banned together to launch a funding drive. The success of this fundraising effort resulted in the purchase and renovation in 1999 of the Granada Hotel. In 2000, First Light Women's Shelter was dedicated and opened its doors for women in dire need of immediate shelter. This new facility has 36 beds, two family rooms, and eight permanent rooms. First Light is often the last hope of many homeless women. "First Light is a ministry of mercy, with a Christ-centered foundation," says Laurie Thompson, Local Missions Chairperson and First Light volunteer for many years. It is through her involvement with this shelter that Brookwood came to be one of several church sponsors. First Light survives on donations and volunteer assistance. A coalition of churches takes turns providing volunteers to prepare and serve an evening meal and to spend the night as "housemother." The shelter has a security guard and camera monitors for surveillance. It is clean, comfortable. and safe, according to Laurie, and in need of volunteers to spend the night, prepare meals, and make monetary donations! If you would like more information about First Light Women's Shelter, please visit their website by clicking here. Needed items that you can donate are:
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Originating in 1984, First Presbyterian Church opened its basement as a mission site, responding to the homelessness pervasive in downtown Birmingham. This "basement shelter" was a less than perfect home, being in need of repair and having only one shower and toilet for an occupancy of 18 women. However, it was shelter and continued to open its doors to the needs of women until 2000. 