Success Story

Open Arms Shelter is happy to share this quote from a resident who lived in the shelter for three months. He was able to procure employment, purchased a vehicle, and saved until he found permanent housing. Congratulations and we wish him health as he begins his new journey!

2021 Year In Review

2021 was a very blessed year for Open Arms Shelter. Sixty-two people (37 men and 25 women) were residents at the shelter. Residents included veterans, senior adults, blacks, Asians, and Caucasians. Over five thousand five hundred meals were provided during the year. Volunteers worked over two thousand five hundred hours. Residents worked with a case manager to develop a plan for employment, banking, housing, and become independent. Residents also have pastoral care available.

The shelter was blessed with generous financial donors. Monetary donations of $68,565 were received in 2021. Numerous donations of paper goods, water, and supplies were also received throughout the year. Eighteen churches, forty-eight individuals/families, and nineteen business/organizations supported Open Arms with monetary donations. Expenses for the year were $59,144.61.

In August Mark Sanderson became director for the shelter. His leadership in fulfilling our mission to share the Good News with each resident has been inspiring. Other members of our shelter team include Sandra Coffey – volunteer coordinator, Janie Moore – meal scheduling coordinator, Judie Williams - case management, Bro. Wayne Walters - pastoral care.

The shelter building also had some changes. The back porch awning was installed. A portable building for additional (and much-needed) storage was built. The housing authority put up fences on three sides of our property. A sign was added to the front yard. The interior was rearranged to make a sitting area with an entertainment center. 903 Broadband Donation Sign Werks donation Bonham Building Supply donation of lumber & supplies Aaron’s, Inc. donation of Entertainment Center

Spotlight on 2021 Volunteers

Open Arms has wonderful volunteers who serve faithfully in many areas. Thank you for serving. The shelter could not be open without your valuable service. Open Arms says a special thank you to Dawn Chokov, whose 40 hours of volunteer service resulted in a $500 donation from The Merck Foundation. A special thanks to three volunteers who faithfully served, but are not longer able due to life circumstances: Richard & Shirley Trammel and Robbi Ashcroft.

Meet the Director of Open Arms

Mark Sanderson

Director of Open Arms

The Board of Directors for Open Arms Shelter is excited to announce that Mark Sanderson will be the Director effective August 2, 2021.  After 38 years in law enforcement, Mark retired from Collin County Sheriff Department as Chief Deputy.  He & his wife, Joyce, moved back to Fannin County in 2019.   Mark is excited to be giving back to the community through his position as Shelter Director. 

Mark says that Fannin County has a unique ability to do something about the homeless situation before it gets out of control like in the large cities.  If we work together as a community, we can make a difference.  We can provide temporary housing and food and we can give the homeless hope and a way to get back on their feet.

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One Year Anniversary for Open Arms Homeless Shelter

Open Arms Homeless Shelter of Fannin County is officially one year old. The shelter opened on June 8, 2020. Over one-hundred homeless individuals have benefited from the shelter this past year. Residents at the shelter have a bed, showers, and laundry facilities on-site. Residents are provided with a continental style breakfast, a sack lunch, and a hot evening meal daily. Additionally, residents make a plan with a case manager to help them move toward an independent life style. Pastoral counseling is also available to residents.

Open Arms Shelter has received generous support from the residents of Fannin County. Volunteers work at the shelter seven days a week. Many churches and individuals make monthly contributions to the shelter. Businesses in Fannin County have also given a helping hand through corporate donations of money and goods. Many restaurants help monthly with the hot evening meals. Open Arms Shelter has been blessed by God during this first year of operation.

Celebrate one year of operation on Sunday, June 13, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at 1205 Albert Broadfoot in Bonham, Texas. Light refreshments and a tour of the building will be provided during this come and go Open House.

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