Written by LISA GENTRY | Photography courtesy of ONE ROOF OUTREACH
When a family experiences a financial setback, an unexpected illness, or simply needs help putting food on the table, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.
One Roof Outreach, headquartered at 255 Temple Avenue in Newnan, has served as a central resource for Coweta County residents for nearly 20 years. The nonprofit connects those in crisis with practical help and compassionate support while bringing together churches, community partners and volunteers to provide assistance.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Ann Kerlin, One Roof continues to strengthen lives through tangible assistance and compassionate care.
Founded in 2007 by Derenda Rowe, with the support of seven local churches representing several denominations, One Roof was created to simplify how emergency assistance was provided throughout the community.
Rather than each church responding to requests independently, the organization became one trusted location where churches could refer individuals and families for help – putting the seven churches under “one roof,” per se.
While One Roof continues to partner closely with churches across Coweta County, it's an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to serving residents regardless of church affiliation.
“Our mission is, in an organized way, to work together with the various churches to provide the needs for people in the community to be met when they're in a crisis,” says Kerlin.
This countywide partnership involves a network of congregations, schools, hospitals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and individual donors – all working together to strengthen the community by ensuring help is available when it's needed most.
At the heart of One Roof's ministry is the Coweta Community Food Pantry, which has served local families for more than 40 years and now operates as part of the organization. Each month, approximately 300 families receive groceries through the pantry.
In addition, One Roof provides clothing vouchers for shopping at its onsite thrift store; household essentials for families rebuilding after hardship; and limited financial assistance for basic necessities such as rent and utilities.
While One Roof focuses on the essentials of food, clothing and shelter, its approach reaches beyond meeting immediate needs. Staff members spend time listening to each client’s situation, helping identify resources, and creating pathways toward long-term stability.
“We want to partner with you, not support you,” says Kerlin, noting that the organization’s spirit of partnership extends beyond financial assistance. “When people are willing to work toward getting back on their feet, we come alongside them.”
As inflation, rising housing costs and increasing utility bills place pressure on households throughout Coweta, requests for assistance have grown, according to Kerlin, who says every request is evaluated carefully by balancing established program guidelines with compassion for each family’s unique circumstances.
“We have some program rules for financial assistance,” says Client Case Manager Terry Fomby. “But when we can help those in need, it is a great feeling to live in a county like Coweta where supporters make this possible.”
One Roof also continues looking for ways to serve populations whose needs often go unseen. One of its newest initiatives is a grocery delivery program for homebound senior citizens. Recognizing that many older adults are unable to seek assistance themselves, volunteers deliver groceries tailored to their needs, including easy-to-prepare meals, nutritious pantry staples and fresh produce.
Community generosity plays an important role in making those efforts possible. Local residents regularly donate fresh vegetables and fruit from their gardens, while area businesses and partners provide bread and other food items.
Every donation reflects One Roof’s belief that caring for neighbors is a responsibility shared by the entire community.
Just as important as the services it provides are the partnerships One Roof has built throughout Coweta County. Rather than duplicating existing programs, the organization connects clients with resources such as RiverLife, Coweta FORCE, the Goodwill Career Center, school social workers, hospitals and other nonprofit organizations. That collaborative approach allows each agency to focus on its strengths while ensuring residents receive the help best suited to their circumstances.
For the staff and volunteers at One Roof, the work is about far more than providing groceries or paying a utility bill.
It’s about preserving dignity, restoring hope and reminding people that they are not alone during life’s most difficult seasons.
As One Roof approaches its 20th year of service, its mission remains as relevant today as it was in 2007. Every bag of groceries packed, every thrift store donation sorted, every hour volunteered, and every dollar given becomes more than an act of charity. It becomes a reminder to someone facing hard times that they are not forgotten. NCM
