DUBLIN, Ga. — The annual Point in Time Count said there were 29 homeless people in Laurens County in 2022.
One Dublin woman who used to be homeless herself believes that number's a lot higher today.
Ursula Bloodsaw-Parker says she was homeless for about 25 years herself- which inspired her to open up Dublin's newest homeless shelter last month, called Chancing Other Caring Lodge.
It can house up to 12 people, like Christopher Pullin who was born in Wrightsville.
"Before I got on drugs, I wanted to be a Navy Seal," Pullin said. "But that never happened because I got drugged out."
He said he got addicted to drugs at 19, and it only spiraled down from there. Before he knew it, he was out on the streets or in jail. After getting clean, he landed on his feet by coming to Chancing Other Caring Lodge.
"I can take a hot shower. I can eat. I have a nice bed to lay in," Pullin said. "Can't ask for no more than that."
All that happened because Bloodsaw-Parker used to have those same needs herself.
"I was a victim of child molestation and I had my first child at thirteen," she said.
Along with the baby, came a life of addiction, jail and decades of homelessness.
"I didn't do right, and I made trouble everywhere I went," she said. "Instead of someone asking me what happened, they just thought I was this bad person. They thought I was a monster."
She said what turned her life around was empathy and a helping hand. Which is exactly what she's giving out at her homeless shelter.
"I always wanted to extend a chance that I got. I got a chance. I got a second chance, third chance, fourth chance," she said.
That's where Chancing Other Caring Lodge was born from.
In addition to housing men, women or children, she also feeds them, and teaches them life skills to get on their feet.
"The thing is you don't have to have anything coming here. You don't," she said. "But the aim is to help you elevate so that you could get what you need."
Bloodsaw-Parker funds the shelter herself, and is currently renting the property for the shelter. She takes in residents for free, but asks that they do start paying rent once they land a job. Residents share a living and dining room area, and have their own individual rooms.
She said they could use help with fundraising, and also donations of food, clothes, and other items for the residents. You can call her to coordinate times and a location- she said she is happy to drive to you.
You can reach out to her at 478-448-7377 for more information, or email her at ursulabloodsaw74@gmail.com
