The Full Fence
New Searcy ministry removes barriers for homeless
An impromptu decision has led to an outpouring of love for those in need.
Jesse James, associate pastor at Searcy First United Methodist Church, and Bill LaGrange, the church’s facilities manager, saw a social-media post on how a church in Rogers was helping its homeless population, and the men were motivated to have something similar at their church.
The idea is simple: Volunteers and members of the church bag, seal and hang clothing items such as gloves, hats and jackets on the fence outside the church, and whoever is in need can come by and pick them up. It is a new ministry that has become known as The Full Fence.
“We had a couple of guys who were in need come to church, and one of them had shoes that were busted out, and they needed new shoes, socks and jackets, so we took them to our thrift shop,” James said. “I saw that a church in Rogers does the same thing, and I thought, ‘This is something we can do for our community.’”
LaGrange said he and James went and picked up hats, gloves, rain ponchos and long-sleeved shirts, as well as the items needed to hang the clothes, such as pins, zip-close baggies and rope.
“This is definitely something that we need to continue to do, and I definitely want it to grow,” LaGrange said. “What was surprising to me was the community response to us doing it.
“It has been a largely positive response, and I did not expect that by any means. That was wonderful to see — more people within the community to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
James said this new ministry also helps limit contact and keep people safe. The church already has a thrift shop that is part of its outreach ministry, as well as a warming center for when the temperature is low. James said the center allows for the homeless population to receive a hot meal, a hot shower and a place to sleep for the night if they need it.
James said the warming center typically averages around seven or eight visitors. He said the center is now open, and the church usually keeps the campers social-distanced with masks.
“We also clean up after them,” he said.
“We have a sprayer, and we wipe everything down before the next night. We do our best to keep everyone as safe as possible.”
Lauren Schrepfer, director of marketing and communications for Searcy First UMC, said the fence is located on Market Street, which is the road between the church’s two buildings. She said the city gave that road, which also includes a green-space area, to the church.
“It is pretty brand new and has high foot traffic,” Schrepfer said. “This fence gives easy access to people who need those items, or others can donate items themselves. It is super easy.”
She said the ministry takes out the middle man, with no sign-up times or information required.
“It takes all of those barriers away that might make someone hesitate [to leave or pick up items],” she said.
She said one thing she has noticed is how various community groups on Facebook are always asking the question, “How do we help those in our community if they are experiencing homelessness?”
“Providing jackets, gloves and other cold-weather items is how we can help,” she said. “Our church does as much as we can to help people in need.
“The community has such a heart for people who need help. We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus as much we can.”
LaGrange said that one way he would like to see the ministry continue to grow is through ensuring that there is a consistent level of items on the fence each week.
“I would love to drive around town, especially in central Arkansas, and see other churches and other communities doing the same thing,” he said. “We definitely need to take care of our people, but I would love to see this everywhere.”
LaGrange, who has been the church’s facilities manager since December, said he has personally taken people to the thrift shop and helped them find clothing items. He said it makes him feel like he is doing something worthwhile. One thing he would like to implement in the future, he said, is a possible cooling station for the warmer months.
“We should be taking care of people year-round,” LaGrange said. “We have a couple of drive-thru areas with awnings, so maybe they can be out there and not in the direct sun.
“It just [occurred to] me this morning that this is not just a winter thing.”
Searcy First United Methodist Church is at 304 N. Main St. For more information, visit searcyfumc.com or call (501) 268-5896.
“I’m hoping other communities do something similar and take those barriers away and show Jesus to people, even if they aren’t comfortable coming to our church,” Schrepfer said. Staff writer Sam Pierce can be reached at (501) 244-4314 or spierce@arkansasonline.com.