Pastor Mary Shelnutt, the founder of Ground Zero Rescue Missions, has a life-time of experience serving those less fortunate and in need. Her mother, Lucille Cade, set an example and laid a foundation of inspiration for the vision of the ministry. Pastor Shelnutt was raised in a family with twelve children and draws upon her mother's ability to distribute her limited resources among her own family. Through Mrs. Cade's open door and open heart to the hungry, poor and homeless, she trained her daughter from an early age about the importance of serving others. Pastor Shelnutt, lovingly known as "Pastor Mary" to many, is an ordained minister and has dedicated 25 years of her life working street missions and ministries before returning to her roots in Alabama to establish what would become Ground Zero Rescue Missions in 2007. She served as Chaplain for the Association of Republican Women in Coffee County in 2009.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports 9% of the U.S. national homeless population live in rural areas, although this number may be much higher because rural homelessness is more difficult to track. The same factors leading to urban homelessness exist in rural areas. Pastor Mary's husband, Joseph Shelnutt, is Co-Pastor of the ministry and has 30 years' experience in street and prison missions. The couple teamed up and hit the streets in Southeast Alabama, beginning humbly at a carwash. Ground Zero Rescue Missions' goal is to not only rescue those who have been broken by this condition but to completely restore them by providing the following services:
- Rescuing those living in the streets, alleys, trash cans, vacant housing known as "squatting", automobiles, the woods and other places the homeless find to hide the shame associated with their condition
- Group Restoration Classes
- Spiritual Guidance and Training
- Assistance With Job Location
Ground Zero Rescue bases its philosophy and services upon Christian principles and provides the best quality care with its available resources to all homeless people, regardless of gender, race, color, nationality or creed. We encourage all persons in our facilities and programs to reach their full potential, and we strive to provide the tools which will eventually enable them to live independently within the community.
Please feel free to explore our Web site to find out more about us and how you can help solve this problem to change lives and our society. We are grateful that you have chosen to visit us and consider giving to our mission.
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