November is a time of thanksgiving for many across the country, but in Amarillo, November holds an even more special meaning.
This month, the Christ Church Camp of New Beginnings turns a year old. What started as a small operation gained national headlines in the spring, when local government officials turned their attention to the small camp outside of downtown that was home to several individuals in the community.
Organization founder Amanda Brown Hunter says she worked to found the Christ Church Camp after becoming friends with several people in the community who she wanted to help.
“This past year can be summed up as a leap of faith,” Hunter said. “In August 2017, while feeding with Amarillo Brown Bag Runs, I was introduced to a tent encampment that we called the Icehouse. It was a place I didn't want to go to at night. Over time, the familiar faces became smiling faces and my love for them grew everyday. One late October day, I went out there and no one was smiling. Everyone seemed frightened or panicked. Winter was coming and they had just gotten told that they'd have to leave. I found out that that happens every few months. When asked about going to a shelter, I found their reasons were as varied as the individuals themselves. So, after much prayer and a little over one thousand miles of city streets in a week, I secured land that I felt would be suitable for them. I discussed my plan with the Icehouse camp and together, ‘we,’ the hands and feet of Jesus, became Christ Church Camp.”
Housing several homeless individuals, the Christ Church Camp became relatively controversial, with some pundits and government officials taking aim at the small organization. But, Hunter says she never lost faith and has since counted people like Kip Billups, a local celebrity and founder of Amarillo Brown Bag Runs, among those who are working with to help those in need.
“We've battled through rumors and misconceptions to shine a light onto the stigma of homelessness,” Hunter says. “And of course, we've learned a multitude of lessons. Through it all, God's grace abounds. He continues to move mountains and open doors. We have restructured the organization and are working with the city towards a better tomorrow for the homeless. We have weekly outreach with other homeless agencies to prevent gaps in services and provide the best possible care to our residents.”
While 2018 has been a whirlwind for Christ Church Camp, Brown says she is excited to see what else is in store for an organization volunteers believe has helped many in the community.
“We are truly striving to bring unity to the community and change lives. One precious soul at a time.”
For more information about the Christ Church Camp of New Beginnings, please visit https://www.facebook.com/campchristchurch/.
