Almost There

Two days ago, I posted that we have the opportunity to secure a large grant to create a new homeless and justice center that they want to call “The Penny Hill.” Mercy Community Church is a worshipping congregation primarily of homeless people in our neighborhood and Penny and I have supported them for several years and value their leadership in our community. All of the other valued homeless ministries in our neighborhood have recently closed, and the opportunity has come up suddenly for Mercy to purchase an old boarding house that is zoned for homeless ministry and two blocks from my house. Mercy asked and received Penny’s blessing to call it “The Penny Hill” and here is the drawing one of their members made and gave to Penny.

The challenge is to raise $80,000 by the end of today. After an exhausting and exhilarating two days, our family and good friends from churches and high school and life have pledged $59,920. That is unbelievable and so appreciated. Pledges are still coming in today and can be emailed to me at rhillrev@gmail.com. Donations are only needed if the benefactors bid of about $2 million is accepted and she secures the property. Then, folks can donate over the course of the year.

I have told Maggie and Mercy to go ahead and assure the benefactor that I will come up with the remaining portion of the $80,000 that will assure her that the expenses of the utilities, insurance and such will be covered for the first year. So, if anyone cares to still pledge, please join the effort. I would hate to lose such an incredibly generous gift from a stranger to me, Penny, Mercy Community, and Atlanta. I have been amazed at the variety of friends, old and new, who have pledged–we will make this happen and Atlanta will be left with a hill of justice and mercy named after our Penny.

Blessings to all,

Richard