Many families turned to Grace to attend Sunday services at Varsity Theatre.
“A large part of our congregation on Sunday morning is made up of people that are staying in shelters, on the streets or in the woods,” said Justin Simmons, executive pastor of Love Chapel Hill. “We wanted to make sure that those folks continued being part of our church family.”
Love Chapel Hill partners with the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, which allowed the ministry to lend bus services throughout the week.
During her time, Grace the bus made frequent trips to The Farm at Penny Lane, where many clients get treatment for mental illness.
The Farm provides alternative therapy for illnesses. Many of its clients face homelessness and a lack of transportation.
Bryan Ragan, UNC Peer Assisted Wellness Support program manager, said his clients are able to make progress because they are able to get there with Grace’s help.
“They would not be able to participate if not for Love Chapel Hill and Grace,” Ragan said. “The participation allows them to promote recovery, which is something we strive for.”
Church leaders and attendees have offered their own vehicles while the church seeks money for a new van to get families there on Sunday mornings.