Out of the Ashes Marks 10 Years Serving Homeless Families in Rutherford County

What began as a small faith-based ministry operating out of a house off Old Ross Road has grown into a major lifeline for hundreds of people facing homelessness in Rutherford County.

This year, Out of the Ashes is celebrating 10 years of service after founders Pat and Chelsea Chamberlain launched the ministry to help people struggling with homelessness, addiction, financial hardship, and family instability.

The organization was created after the Grace of God Rescue Mission in Forest City shifted its focus to operating only a nightly soup kitchen and stopped providing shelter services. Seeing a growing need in the community, the Chamberlains stepped in to help fill the gap.

Today, Out of the Ashes operates from a much larger campus on Countryside Drive in Forest City, allowing the ministry to safely house men, women, and children under one roof.

What started with only a handful of men seeking shelter has expanded significantly over the years. Last week alone, the organization was housing 23 individuals onsite, including nine women, nine men, and five children.

According to Chamberlain, demand for services continues to rise as more families struggle with economic pressures. In 2025, the ministry served more than 500 people — a sharp increase from approximately 350 the previous year.

“The economy is pushing more people to the edge,” Chamberlain said. “A lot of people are just one major setback away from losing everything.”

Unlike many programs, Out of the Ashes operates without government funding. Instead, the ministry relies on donations, volunteers, churches, and community support to provide shelter, transportation, meals, counseling connections, and job assistance.

Chamberlain said while some clients battle addiction, many others become homeless because of unexpected life circumstances.

“Some struggle because of toxic relationships, job loss, divorce, or medical issues,” he explained. “We have veterans, widows, and mothers with children who simply can’t afford childcare while trying to work.”

The ministry also works closely with local law enforcement agencies throughout Rutherford County.

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg praised the organization’s efforts, calling Out of the Ashes “a huge asset” to the community.

“Pat has always been willing to help us out,” Ellenburg said. “Besides providing a place to stay, he helps connect people with additional resources and programs.”

Ellenburg noted that homelessness is not unique to Rutherford County, saying communities across North Carolina and beyond are facing similar challenges.

Out of the Ashes remains a faith-based organization, but Chamberlain emphasized that no one is required to be Christian in order to receive help. Instead, he said the ministry focuses on creating structure, accountability, and long-term stability for those willing to make changes in their lives.

Participants are expected to work toward goals that help them transition into independent living, including finding employment, securing housing, and receiving counseling or treatment services if needed.

“We believe change is possible if the person truly wants help,” Chamberlain said. “But they have to want to change. We can’t force anyone to do it.”

The organization serves residents connected to Rutherford and Polk counties and maintains strict rules for participation, including prohibiting active substance abuse and excluding registered sex offenders because children are housed onsite.

For Chamberlain, one of the biggest misconceptions about homelessness is the belief that it cannot happen to everyday people.

“Nobody wakes up and says they want to be homeless,” he said. “Many people in this county are one paycheck or one illness away from being in the same situation.”

As Out of the Ashes enters its second decade of service, Chamberlain says the mission remains the same — offering hope, guidance, and a path forward to people who need it most.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” he said. “People need encouragement. They need support. They need someone willing to walk alongside them.”