In the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee, a significant issue looms large: homelessness. This problem is particularly acute for the city's women, who often find themselves without a safe place to stay. However, amidst this crisis, a beacon of hope shines brightly: Merge Memphis. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing safe emergency shelter, housing, and comprehensive services to assist women towards self-sufficiency.

The Homeless Crisis in Memphis

Homelessness is a significant issue in Memphis. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, revealed that the number of unsheltered homeless individuals doubled from 2020 to 2021. Women make up about 30 percent of the homeless population in Memphis. However, before the opening of facilities like Clare's House, only six percent of shelter beds were set aside for them.

Merge Memphis: A Beacon of Hope

Merge Memphis, co-founded by Sherry McClure and her husband Keith, is a non-profit organization that serves the underserved women of the Mid South area. Both full-time nurses, the McClures have a strong passion for making a difference in their community. Their mission is to help those less fortunate live in dignity, safety, and peaceful surroundings.

Merge Memphis provides safe emergency shelter and housing, and wrap-around services to assist women towards self-sufficiency. The organization runs several programs to support its mission, including Clare's House, an emergency shelter that offers a peaceful refuge for homeless women in the community.

The Impact of Merge Memphis

The impact of Merge Memphis is evident in the success stories of those they have helped. For instance, Debra Ballard, a resident at Clare's House, was homeless and living in her car before she found the organization. Stories like Ballard's underscore the importance of the work being done by Merge Memphis and the difference it makes in the lives of Memphis' homeless women.

How Merge Memphis Operates

Merge Memphis operates several programs to support its mission. In addition to Clare's House, the organization runs the Opportunity Center, which provides economical housing for men striving to rebuild their lives. They also address food insecurity through the Little Free Pantries program, installing pantries around Memphis stocked with basic food items.

Merge Memphis is a shining example of how community organizations can make a significant impact in addressing homelessness. Through their dedicated efforts, they are providing much-needed support and resources to some of the most vulnerable members of the Memphis community.