Anniston nonprofit recognizes volunteer of the year while highlighting expanded services for homeless community
ANNISTON, AL — The Right Place held its sixth annual “A Night in New Orleans” gala Friday evening at the Anniston Country Club, celebrating the organization’s continued efforts to combat homelessness in Calhoun County while recognizing outstanding volunteer contributions.
In the heart of Anniston, Alabama, lies a beacon of hope and assistance for those in need. The Right Place, founded in 2012, stands as a pillar of support for homeless and low-income individuals and families in Calhoun County. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, their mission is clear: to assist those in securing safe, decent, and affordable shelter. Their efforts go beyond merely providing housing; they strive to uplift and empower individuals through education, prevention, and support.
Led by agency director Lori Floyd, The Right Place proudly offers “Mental Health First Aid” training to individuals and organizations throughout the community. Whether you’re a first responder, healthcare provider, educator, social worker, or community volunteer, this training equips you with valuable skills to assist those experiencing mental health problems or crises.
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Joellyn Knight as Volunteer of the Year. Knight, who has been working with The Right Place for approximately seven years, shared her journey of involvement with the organization.
“About seven years ago, I was working in partnership with staff and I asked if they had a place where my clients could stay when they needed temporary housing,” Knight recalled. “From there, I saw what The Right Place was doing to help people who are homeless.”
Knight expressed her personal fulfillment from the work: “I’ve had people say to me before, you know, how wonderful it is that you do this kind of thing, but what I need you to know is how much I get out of it. I feel a little guilty because I get so much joy and pleasure out of it. To be able to meet someone and to get to know them for who they are and to learn from them and have that opportunity to meet someone that I would have never had that chance to meet before.”
Commissioner Terry Howell, who serves as vice-chairman of The Right Place board, emphasized the importance of community support for the organization.
“To start off last night’s event was no doubt a success. I’m personally honored to be surrounded by dozen plus awesome people,” Howell said. “I also know there’s many great agencies to give your time and money. I would just ask the public to research and consider giving to The Right Place. I sincerely believe that if you do that and see the things that are done, you will jump on board.”
Howell concluded with a call to action: “What if we all gave just a little?”
The Right Place has significantly expanded its services, including a day program where people can come in during the day and work on resumes, participate in arts classes, and access various other programs. The organization has been creating art pieces, with painted bottles created by clients available for purchase at the gala.
A major new development is the partnership with Gadsden State to offer GED classes and continuing education programs. Agency director Lori Floyd explained the importance of bringing services directly to clients: “It takes a lot of effort for them to get from point A to point B to point C, and if we lose them along the way, they can’t make those steps that they need to to get off the street. So instead of us trying to get their mail, we’re just bringing the services here.”
The organization emphasized how community donations directly impact those in need. Contributions help provide:
- Photo IDs and birth certificates
- Snack bags and hygiene bags
- Work boots for employment
- Water bill assistance
- Security deposits for housing
- Furnishing assistance for homes
The Right Place offers housing solutions through programs like Rapid Re-Housing and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), providing temporary financial support to expedite transitions into permanent housing or prevent evictions. Hillside Cottages, a tiny home community, offers permanent supportive housing to low-income individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
The event highlighted the collaborative effort required to address homelessness effectively. As Floyd noted during the evening: “It really takes a whole community working together to be able to do what I get to do every day.”
The Right Place recognizes the importance of community engagement and support. While monetary donations are vital, they also accept donations of snacks and essential items. Due to limited storage space, they encourage donations of items that can be immediately used.
The commitment to prevention extends beyond housing, with The Right Place actively engaging with businesses to provide preventive programs, ensuring individuals on the verge of homelessness receive the support they need to remain in their homes.
For more information about their programs, current needs, or how to get involved, visit their website at trpalabama.org. The annual “A Night in New Orleans” gala continues to serve as a vital fundraising event, bringing together supporters and donors to celebrate the community’s resilience and generosity in addressing homelessness in Calhoun County.
