Trampass Hodge is on a mission to provide support for citizens in the region.
A dream that first started at the Bristol Farmers’ Market is carrying over to Elizabethton as Hodge announced Thursday that Covered Bridge Park will be the home for the Night of Worship (N.O.W.) from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Speaking to different organizations involved with the Carter County Community Advisory Board, Hodge stated the event is geared to offer a night of relief for mostly homeless individuals, but that the event is opened for the public.
The event, sponsored by LED’s Pest Control, will feature various styles of Christian musical performances, testimonies, games, refreshments and possible supplies if available.
Hodge added that the work is provided all by volunteers. The night will feature performances from Aaron Hagy & Company, Bambi Carter, Tausha Coleman and Curtis Preudhomme.
“As a volunteer, I can state that we go home tired, but very blessed to be able to help. We also go home with a burden to do more,” Hodge stated in a letter distributed during Thursday’s Board meeting.
Hodge addressed CAB members for the possibility of setting up during the night. Vendors will be allowed to set up free of charge. The goal, Hodge said Thursday, is to grow the event into a bigger regional presence to assist with individuals struggling through tough times.
“Each of the organizations that provide help to those who need it have started something good in our community,” Hodge continued in the letter. “My desire is to take it to the next level and unite all of the organizations and create relationships to where they can help each other. We hope to introduce you to the surrounding community, help everyone be more aware of your presence and either come to you for support or come to you with support.”
The idea of N.O.W. furthers a sentiment expressed by CAB to form community resource fairs. With over 15 organizations represented on the Board, Josh McKinney, CAB president, added he loved the idea for a fair and members voted unanimously to form a subcommittee to look into assisting with N.O.W., and then look at the possibility of branching out community fairs for a later date.
Helping combat the issue of homelessness in the community is an issue CAB has taken up by participating in different activities, including the annual Homeless Count — organized by the Appalachian Regional Coalition for Homeless (ARCH) — spearheaded by Red Legacy Recovery.
Members of the public that happen to know individuals who are struggling with finances or either in the process of being homeless, or are homeless, are encouraged to contact ARCH by calling 1-844-989-2273.