Purpose Church Opens Doors as New Warming Shelter Location

Purpose Church in Wilmington, N.C., has opened its doors as a warming shelter for the first weekend amid cold temperatures. The church at 920 North 6th Street will provide shelter for single women, families, and individuals staying in their cars. The initiative marks a long-held goal for Cedrick and Latoya Barrett, who have led the church for over a decade.

The Barretts emphasized their commitment to serving the community. “Our kind of motto is ‘we get to serve,’” Cedrick Barrett said. The church has arranged separate spaces for children, adults, and families, and will also offer warm meals to those in need.

Cedrick Barrett expressed pride in the church’s new role. “This is a very surreal moment. Because when I saw this building here, the first thing I thought was ‘this would be a great community asset.’ And so now to be able to see the community use it? It just warms my heart,” he said.

Latoya Barrett highlighted the emotional impact of the shelter. “Doing it in the way that they do it is to make people feel like they belong. That someone cares. That someone is concerned. And it’s not as if you’re less than, but you are one of the greater ones… Listen, we get to love on people, and that is our greatest commodity in the world,” she said.

Both pastors confirmed their intention to continue the shelter throughout the winter season. “Oh, absolutely!” Latoya Barrett said. “Oh yes,” Cedrick Barrett added. “It’s done, it’s a done deal. We’re excited about it.”

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