Groundbreaking held Aug. 5 for Seeds of Hope shelter in Sparta

Tina Lomax

 In a momentous stride toward combating homelessness and providing vital support to those in need, Seeds of Hope of TN, a nonprofit organization led by Tina Lomax is on the brink of building a homeless shelter facility in Sparta.

Lomax recently shared her inspiring journey and unveiled the organization’s ambitious plans for the new shelter as Seeds of Hope hosted a groundbreaking at the site of the new shelter, on Aug. 5, 2024.

“When the Lord called me to serve all those years ago, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly,” Lomax, who has nearly 15 years of experience in high-risk ministry, recounted her unwavering dedication to serving the community’s most vulnerable members. “I’ve always held a deep love for the people I serve, and I am incredibly grateful to continue this important work by the grace of God.”

 The seeds of hope planted six years ago by Lomax blossomed into the establishment of a temporary shelter known as the Coldest Night Shelter, which provided nightly housing for those without a permanent shelter during the winter months.  This initiative received overwhelming support from the community, emphasizing Sparta’s collective commitment to addressing homelessness and providing essential resources to those in crisis.

Recognizing the critical need for a year-round shelter facility to offer continuous support and refuge to individuals facing homelessness, Lomax and her team embarked on a journey to establish a permanent location. The new shelter, situated at 239 King St., in Sparta, symbolizes a beacon of hope and compassion for broken and hurting individuals in the community.

 I envision a community where no one has to sleep in a tent or on the streets,” overflowing with gratitude and enthusiasm for the upcoming project, Lomax said. “Our goal is to provide a place where individuals can find nourishment, rest, and the support they need to thrive and contribute positively to our society.”

Lomax extended her heartfelt appreciation to all individuals and organizations whose unwavering support and generosity have played an instrumental role in making the dream of a permanent shelter a reality. However, the work is not done, and the needs are continuing to grow as the Seeds of Hope of TN shelter is an ongoing project.

 For those eager to contribute to the building project and support Seeds of Hope of TN’s mission, donations can be made by dropping off a check at First National Bank for Seeds of Hope, clearly marked with the memo “building,” or by mailing a check to Seeds of Hope at 234 King St., Sparta, TN 38583.

 As Seeds of Hope of TN embarks on this transformative journey toward creating a brighter future for the homeless population in Sparta, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to offering a hand up, not just a handout, to those in need.