FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Being a beacon of hope for the less fortunate is what Light House Ministries spends countless of hours each year for people in the Florence community.
More than 40 people a week walk through the doors of Lighthouse Ministries for help.
“Working here on a daily basis and seeing the people come in and come out, we really feel that the average homeless in Florence County is about 500”
Lighthouse Ministries aim is to help Florence area churches organize and administer community resources and provide for the relief of emergency physical needs.
“We assist them with either their electric, or their rent, or life sustaining prescription medications to get them through that crisis,” mentioned Lighthouse Ministries Executive Director Cecelia Meggs.
Cecilia Meggs has been with Lighthouse Ministries since 2005 and was named the Executive Director in September 2010. Prior to then she served as the Director of Outreach Ministries.
Their assistance thus far has transformed hundreds of lives across the Pee Dee.
“We keep a record inside the church files and when they come in and want to know about certain finances we always refer them to the Lighthouse Ministry,” explained Virginia McDaniel, Pastor of Hope Christian Center in Darlington.
It’s an ongoing struggle, but it’s one that Meggs believes deeply in, as it helps people get back on their feet.
“We provide a bag of food to them to last for a minimum of three days and also give them the resources of where the pantries are in the community so that they can get that additional resource,” mentioned Meggs.
A mission that others say is a rewarding opportunity.
“Each ministry should want to blend with another because we are all in it together for the same purpose,” McDaniel stated.
The director says Lighthouse Ministries serves an average of 2,220 people a year.
On the first Friday of each month, Lighthouse Ministries host the First Friday Homeless Connect event from 9 to 11 a.m. The Homeless Connect welcomes 28 agencies to offer services for those who need it.
