Beginnings

    In 2015 a town hall meeting was held in Bonham to address the need for a homeless shelter in Fannin County.  From this meeting a group of concerned citizens began to meet.  A Board of Directors was formed; bylaws were adopted, and officers were elected.   Open Arms Homeless Shelter of Fannin County began.  Open Arms is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian ministry to provide shelter to homeless persons in Fannin County who do not have the support systems or resources to obtain food and shelter on their own. 

    The board met regularly for over three years seeking property and finances to begin the ministry.   During this time several properties were considered, but each time it didn’t work out.    In 2018 the board decided to do something to help the homeless in Fannin County while looking for property.  A mobile operation was planned to provide emergency and severe weather shelter for the homeless.  An enclosed trailer, cots, sleeping bags, pillows, and linens were purchased  with help  from The Glaser Family Charitable Foundation.  Arrangements were made to use several locations (e.g. old armory building in Bonham) when needed.  At this time the mobile operation unit has not been needed. 

    Then GOD provided a location for a permanent shelter.  In September of 2018 Open Arms purchased the Zion Lutheran Church building in Bonham at 1205 Albert Broadfoot.  The building needed a total remodel.   Board members, volunteers, and paid contractors worked on the shelter for over a year.  Over forty people volunteered their time and skills to work on the building.   The building was ready to be used in January of 2020.    

      The shelter will accommodate twenty-one occupants.  A full-time paid director will oversee operations of the shelter including providing guidance for volunteers.    The shelter will depend on volunteers for much of the work.  Many people have signed up on the website and at events.  Over sixty volunteers had been trained by the end of February, 2020.  Training for new volunteers will be available as needed in the future.

     The population served by the homeless shelter will be diverse.  Fannin County has a veteran hospital and two state prisons, which can contribute to the number of homeless in the county.  Loss of job, health issues, divorce, and economic hard times are also contributing factors in homelessness.  Open Arms plans to help veterans, single parents with children, families, women, and men.  The shelter opened on June 8, 2020.