MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Jeff Palmer is the pastor of East Marion Pentecostal Holiness Church. He walked into the McDowell County church more than a year ago after his family became homeless for the second time. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jeff says its essential to them that they help as many people as possible. 

  • The Palmers are doing all of this with the help of volunteers and donations. As the needs are growing fast in the area they are in need of as many donations as possible.

  • They are asking if you have anything that can help including clothing, for you to drop it off at the church. 

 

The first time was in Pennsylvania, and the second was when a tornado took off the roof of their home. When a job opened up at this church, his family decided to move. It wasn’t until one night when his wife Niki saw a homeless couple freezing outside in the street and decided to run out with hot chocolate that their lives started to change.

Now, the Palmers feed hot meals to the homeless on Friday nights. They also make food boxes for those who need a little help and car bags for those living out of their cars. They also supply toiletries to those living outdoors to ensure they have the necessities they need to survive. They want to make people feel safe and secure.

“If you are living on the streets and you don’t have enough money for food, do you think you can afford tampons,” Niki Palmer said.

Jeff says the need is growing every day.

“I know how it feels to have to sleep in your car or not have anywhere to go,” he added. 

The Palmers have gone as far as to let people sleep on the church property or their porch. They installed a porta potty for those in need as well.