By JR Robinson, CEO & Co-Founder of JustMy

As part of our #AmplifyAmerica36KChallenge, we’re highlighting organizations that are the heartbeat of Memphis. Today, we spotlight the Memphis Ministry Center, a vital hub in the national Send Relief network, dedicated to meeting urgent needs and creating lasting change in our city and beyond.

Why Memphis Needs This Ministry

Memphis faces some of the highest rates of poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness in the country. Nearly one in five Memphis residents faces food insecurity, and thousands of children in Shelby County schools are impacted by housing instability. The Memphis Ministry Center steps into these gaps, providing not just emergency relief, but also hope and a path forward for our neighbors.

What the Memphis Ministry Center Does

Located in the heart of the city, the Memphis Ministry Center serves newly arrived refugees, housing- and food-insecure families, and those escaping human trafficking. Their work includes:

• Delivering household baskets and essentials to individuals and families newly housed after chronic homelessness.
• Providing food, clothing, and hygiene kits to those in need.
• Connecting neighbors with local churches for ongoing support and spiritual encouragement.
• Offering supportive services and quarterly follow-ups to ensure long-term stability and community connection.

The center’s team, led by Director Shun Abram, is known for going the extra mile—visiting residents, building relationships, and responding to needs beyond the basics. “We also want to walk alongside residents,” says Abram, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to dignity and ongoing care.

Meet Shun Abram: Leading with Compassion

Director Shun Abram saw the growing needs in west Tennessee as early as 2009, which compelled him to pursue compassion ministry as a full-time calling. After planting Binghampton Community Church in the inner city—where he still serves as Senior Pastor—Abram earned his master’s degree from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He’s also recruited mission teams through the Mid-South Baptist Association and has worked as a coordinator for local outreach. Shun and his wife of 20 years, Mary, have four children—Mikayla, Isaac, Grace, and David. His leadership, rooted in deep faith and a commitment to service, has made the Memphis Ministry Center a trusted resource for families in crisis.

Part of a National Movement

The Memphis Ministry Center is one of 19 Send Relief ministry centers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Send Relief’s unique strength is working alongside local churches and organizations, equipping them to respond to life-altering moments—whether it’s disaster relief, poverty, or refugee support. Through these partnerships, Send Relief impacts communities coast to coast, sharing compassion and practical help wherever it’s needed most.

The Need Is Urgent

• One in five Memphis residents faces food insecurity.
• Thousands of children in Shelby County schools are impacted by housing instability.
• Chronic homelessness and poverty remain persistent challenges, making the Ministry Center’s work more critical than ever.

How You Can Help

The Memphis Ministry Center relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to keep serving our city. Every dollar goes directly to providing meals, essentials, and hope to Memphis families.

Ready to make a difference? Donate to the Memphis Ministry Center and support their life-changing work.

You can also get involved by volunteering, supporting ongoing renovation efforts, or spreading the word about this vital ministry.

Amplify Memphis. Amplify Community. Amplify You!

If you know a person or organization making a difference in Memphis, nominate them for a feature in our “Amplify Memphis” series. Together, let’s celebrate and support the best of our city.