Vince Rosato: Envisioning healthy changes and making a differenc - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

A Montgomery pastor is calling it an 'answer to prayer.' Vince Rosato doesn't focus so much on the obvious need for improvements at what used to be an apartment complex on Chisholm Street in north Montgomery. It was build in the 1940s and vacant for the last 4 years. 

Instead he envisions the healthy change that could transform lives. 

"I can just do what I can do and let God do His work," said Rosato. 

Rosato runs the Friendship Mission in west Montgomery, a homeless shelter for men. He wants to do the same for women. Much like Friendship Mission, Rosato will rely on community donations and grants to keep the new shelter open. 

It will be Tammy Middleton's job as shelter director to make sure things run smoothly. Middleton is quick to point out this won't be a place for women to merely hang out. 

"No. This will be 'hand up' program. When they come here they'll go through programs and our goal is to rebuild their confidence and their trust. And eventually get them back in the community with jobs," said Middleton. 

Repairs are already underway to bring the campus of several buildings up to code but more needs to be done such as replacing the hot water heater in one building and adding showers as well. 

Vince Rosato has no doubt his campus will fill up rather quickly once the renovations are finished. The reason is it's estimated there are 400 homeless women in the River Region, many of whom have fallen on hard times due to the economy, drugs or leaving an abusive relationship. 

"We'll accept single women and women with children," said Rosato. 

There will be no charge for the women staying at the shelter. Rosato hopes to have it opened by mid April. 

Rosato says the driving force behind his dream is faith, faith that change for the better for the brokenhearted is just around the corner. 

Call Tammy Middleton at 334-313-2764 if you need more information about this new shelter.

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