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Our 34rd Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers ISSUE NO. 13 • April 2, 2026 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408
Out of the Ashes has served the homeless for 10 years Article by Scott Carpenter.
Ten years ago, Pat Chamberlain and his wife Chelsea founded Out of the Ashes, as a ministry serving homeless people of Rutherford County. Through the years, lives have been changed, and relationships rebuilt. Pat is happy with the progress, with the success, that the organization has made, and looks forward to the future. Out of the Ashes began when the Grace of God Rescue Mission in Forest City, decided to focus solely on operating a nightly soup kitchen, and no longer provide a homeless shelter. Out of the Ashes began in a house off Old Ross Road, but eventually was able to acquire a much larger facility, located at 131 Countryside Drive, Forest City. This is a former church campus, and allows the organization to now safely serve men, women, and children. When it began, Out of the Ashes served a handful of men. While the numbers frequently change, the organization last week had 23 individuals housed onsite, nine women, nine men, and five children. In 2025, Out of the Ashes served more than 500 individuals in total, far exceeding the previous year of around 350. Throughout 2025 and these first months of 2026, Chamberlain says the economy is driving more people to the edge and compelling people to seek services from Out of the Ashes. Chamberlain points out that the
Pat Chamberlain is director of Out of the Ashes, which is celebrating 10 years of helping restore the lives of people who were homeless.
organization receives no government funding at all, yet it continues to be a vital lifeline for the community, providing shelter, and often transportation, food and other support to hundreds who are homeless. He concedes that approximately half of the Out of the Ashes clients have battled substance abuse in some form, but a significant number have not. “Some struggle because of toxic relationships they have had. Some simply had an unexpected job loss, or suffered a marriage break-up, which has Out of the Ashes is located at 131 Countryside Drive, Forest City, NC 28043. The former church major financial impacts,” building can house men, women, and children. (Photos by Out of the Ashes) Chamberlain said. “We have veterans, we have required to be a Christian, in order to counseling and treatment services if widows, we have mothers with children. receive services. Chamberlain says the needed. They struggle to find work because of struggles faced by the clients are real, “I think members of the public may the cost of child care.” but there is hope. not understand, or appreciate the fact Chamberlain often receives referrals “We believe that if the person wants that there are many people in Rutherford from the law enforcement agencies to change, if they are willing to make the County, living on the edge. Many are across Rutherford County, including choices necessary to improve their lives, one paycheck or one major illness Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. then yes it can be done,” Chamberlain away from being homeless themselves,” “Out of the Ashes has been a big help said “But a key is that they have to want Chamberlain said. “Nobody wakes up to us,” said Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg. “Pat to change. People have to want our in the morning, and says, wow, I think has always been willing to help us out. assistance and guidance. We can’t force I want to be homeless. Nobody really Besides providing a place to stay, he anyone to do anything.” wants to be homeless.” helps us connect with other resources, “Some people on the streets, or “We want to give God the glory, for other organizations that can help.” living in a tent in the woods, they do not the success that we have had so far Ellenburg points out that homelessness want our help. Some want to continue in helping people recover their lives,” is not only a Rutherford County problem. the lifestyle they are living. And these he continued. “God is still moving, still “This is a problem all across North are people that we just can not help,” setting people free.” Carolina and in other states,” Ellenburg Chamberlain added. Many factors contribute to people said. “I know other law enforcement Out of the Ashes serves clients being homeless, including addiction, agencies, other shelters are trying to connected to Rutherford County or Polk a poor economy, skyrocketing costs deal with this in other nearby counties. County. The organization has individual associated with housing and childcare, This is not unique to Rutherford County.” supporters living in both counties. But, and negative personal choices. He continued “I appreciate the support Chamberlain insists that Out of the “There are a lot of people in need, and Pat has given to us, and what he is doing Ashes is not a “dumping ground.” good organizations doing good work,” for these people who are struggling. I am Individuals receiving services can not Chamberlain said. “The question is who impressed with what he is able to do.” be actively abusing substances, and they is willing to be a part of the solution. “I believe that Out of the Ashes is a can not accept registered sex offenders There remains a lot of work to be done.” huge asset to Rutherford County. We are because the facility includes children. “Life, for a lot of people, can be hard,” fortunate to have them here,” Ellenburg The person has to want to participate he added. “People often just need real added. “It does take a lot of people, a lot in the program, which includes setting encouragement, and genuine guidance. of different groups, different programs and meeting short long-term goals They need a path forward.” working together, to make a difference designed to stabilize their lives and To learn more about Out of the in our community when it comes to eventually move them to independent Ashes, call 828-395-2000. To donate, homelessness.” living, according to Chamberlain. Out of Out of the Ashes is a faith-based the Ashes helps people find jobs, and send a check to: Out of the Ashes, organization, but clients are never connects them to housing, and various P.O. Box 335, Bostic, NC 28018.
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