Former mayor and local furniture store owner Sam Ramsey and the Rev. Clara Lett had a dream that a homeless shelter could be built in Covington.

That dream is now a reality, as a 68-bed modern shelter - built with love - is now open and helping people, who for now do not have the ability to live on their own.

Ramsey said that he and Lett prayed for a long time before the shelter was a reality.

In its first week, 47 people are using the facility already.

The facility will serve mostly Newton and Rockdale counties.

Ramsey's has donated 10 mattresses; the Super 8 here in Covington and the La Quinta Inn in Conyers have donated furniture.

Boy Scouts have helped by building box frames for beds, and Eastridge Community Church has helped by providing the shelter with food.

Lett said the shelter still needs about $5,000 to cover rent and utilities as well as personal items such as soaps, toothpaste and paper products.

The shelter is going to continue to need support from citizens of the community and other helpful groups.
Covington has always been known as a giving community; the opening of the new shelter is another glimmering jewel in the city's crown of caring.