Owen Marsten, Intern - thefranklinpressnews@gmail.com
No Wrong Door is a local organization that provides assistance to various vulnerable groups within the community. It assists those struggling with addiction and mental health issues as well as with the transition from detention and treatment centers.
The Downtown Door is the newest program by No Wrong Door. It provides a space to shower, do laundry, and get new clothes, for those who otherwise would not have access to these resources. They also plan to occasionally offer free haircuts, according to Sheila Jenkins, executive director of No Wrong Door.
“We do intakes on everyone, because we’re going to be working with them. We will be doing some case management with them,” said Jenkins. “Why are you homeless? What can we do? Come in and use our services, but we want to work with you and see what we can do to get you headed in the right direction.”
Jenkins said Downtown Door has been in the middle of a soft open until they are able to gather and train enough volunteers but will be fully open starting on Jan. 3. It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Downtown Door is located at 381 East Main Street, across from Seay’s Farm and Garden Center.
On nights when temperatures drop to 20 degrees or lower, Downtown Door will open at night to provide a warm place to sleep. Night openings will be announced on No Wrong Door’s website, nowrongdoornc.org, and their Facebook page. Downtown Door was open the night of Jan. 1 as temperatures dipped into the teens with the wind chill.
“They come here and hang out during the day a lot, especially when it’s cold,” said Jenkins. “We have a living room, we usually have four or five here. Sometimes even 10 or more. We also provide transportation to get them here.”
Jenkins said volunteers are still needed. They can work either a three-hour or a six-hour shift. Several churches are helping to provide meals, but extra help with food is always needed. Prospective volunteers must complete an orientation and ongoing training. Those looking to volunteer can contact No Wrong Door at 828-349-3366.
“The community has really stepped up and helped a lot,” said Jenkins.