See how this nonprofit in Mobile is changing homelessness one woman at a time

McKemie Place is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that focuses on unaccompanied women facing homelessness in Mobile. Keep reading to learn more about the necessary work that this organization does for the community and how you can help them continue.

Where it all started

McKemie Place began as a small service provided by the United Methodist Inner City Mission in 2007. The idea of an emergency shelter for women experiencing homelessness arose after the news of a homeless woman tragically freezing to death in downtown Mobile. McKemie Place became its own nonprofit in 2010 and, according to their website, has since then remained the only emergency shelter for unaccompanied homeless women in Southwest Alabama.

After 10 years of searching for locations and preparing to expand, McKemie Place relocated to their permanent location in 2020. Their new facility has allowed them to broaden their services not only for their guests, but for the community.

The mission

This organization is dedicated to protecting women while also encouraging them to be independent. Each guest is required to meet with their case manager twice a week to create goals for themselves that they will work toward during their stay.

McKemie Place also offers connections with healthcare providers, mental health counseling, educational opportunities, housing assistance, life skills training, employment possibilities and job readiness training to ensure that their clients are taking the correct steps to get back on their feet.

“Our mission is to provide a safe haven, spiritual encouragement and access to resources that help meet the needs and promote the well-being of unaccompanied women in distress. Homelessness does not discriminate. It is real. It may not be you and it may never be you, but it may be someone you know.”

JP Thurman, Co-Executive Director, McKemie Place

How you can help

Want to help McKemie Place continue doing their amazing work for the community? Here are a few ways to get involved:

Donate

Whether you want to donate supplies or finances, McKemie Place is appreciative of anything that can keep their organization running smoothly. Every Wednesday, a list of the organization’s current needs is posted on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Provide a meal

McKemie Place provides three meals a day for their guests, so it is imperative that volunteers sign up to bring meals throughout the week. Contact info@mckemieplace.org to find out what dates they have open for lunch or dinner.

Volunteer

Being a shelter that is constantly busy and filled with women, there are always different jobs available for volunteers to help with. These jobs include but are not limited to painting, yard work, answering the phones and serving food. Send an email to info@mckemieplace.org to let them know when you are available to volunteer and they will get back to you.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up for the Bama Buzz newsletter for more stories like this delivered directly to you!