If you see a long-distance truck cab drive into our Day Services Center parking lot, that’s our friend Jerry Withers bringing us some love.
For many years, Jerry struggled with alcohol and drugs. He was a frequent guest at our North Tryon Street Shelter and in our Room In The Inn program. He cherished his job as a truck driver, but he says, “At times it got bad. When I made a lot of money, I would quit work and use until it was gone.”
About a decade ago, when our Day Services Center operated as Urban Ministry Center, Jerry came to us seeking help. He was about to lose his CDL operator’s license. Jerry explains, “[Former Urban Ministry Center CFO] Rich Hoard said, ‘We’re going to help you out,’ and that man wrote me a check to pay off a ticket. I’ll never forget it. It saved my license and my livelihood.”
From that point, Jerry turned his life around, finding sobriety and building his own business as a long-distance hauler. He’s based in Los Angeles but comes through Charlotte every few months to visit his mother and grandmother. That’s when he stops by with a generous financial donation to Roof Above.
“I’m grateful because God brought me through. It took a long time to get to this point and I’m eager to give back. Rich was part of my decision to donate here. His help was such a blessing.”
Never doubt that a small gesture can have a life-changing impact. Thank you, Jerry! #HardEarnedVictories #EndHomelessness
