Robbinsville – As the cold winds of winter usher in snow and bitter cold, many residents of Graham County need a safe, warm place to sleep and a nutritious meal to help them survive the cold.
The Reigniting Hope Foundation provides just that.
The foundation is a non-profit, faith-based organization with a mission to serve the people of the community who are struggling with active addiction, in recovery, or are homeless.
Its goal is to bring people who feel that there is no hope left to fight their addiction and homelessness, while showing them grace and welcoming arms.
Tracey Jones and her daughter Shelby decided to open the foundation in March 2024. Jones’ brother Gary Gregory and her son-in-law Logan Millsaps had both lost their lives while suffering from addiction.
“If he (Gary) thought somebody was hungry or needed a place to stay, he would have helped in any way,” Tracey Jones shared.
At the initial opening, the foundation served 14 meals. At the outset of 2025, they serve between 80-150 meals each Saturday.
The facility is located beside Wendy’s, at 347 Rodney Orr Bypass, Unit 2.
It is open to the public and serve 10-15 regulars daily who may seek shelter, a meal – or both. The foundation also provides blankets, coats, emotional support, hygiene, clothing, referrals, supplies for new moms and expecting mothers, and transport to court, detox, or rehab. Heaters have been donated to provide emergency heat to families that may not have heat in their homes.
In December, the foundation received an opportunity to rent-to-own a house on Dillard Orr Road.
The foundation has been operating from fundraisers and donations from the community. A recent $10,000 grant received from Helene Relief has helped to pay rent, utilities and meals, and will be beneficial in bringing the new house up to code. The hope is to be better equipped with a shower and laundry for those who need it.
Christmas donations helped to bring 12 families some holiday joy.
Sabrina Vaughn of Robbinsville worked with Tracey to collect and deliver presents to these families.
“We try to help as many people as we can to feel better about themselves with no judgment,” Shelby added. “They are accepted and loved when they walk through our doors. We hope they feel comfortable enough to confide in us and maybe ask for help.”
There isn’t much room in the current building, but on the coldest nights, they have been able to house five overnighters. They try to be available as much as possible and have several who come by for breakfast each morning, and others for supper or to stop by and warm up.
“Coming from an ex-addict, they were the only ones here with open arms,” former addict Cassie Gregory said.
The foundation accepts donations of clothing, blankets, food and money – as well as other necessities needed. It is also seeking more volunteers to help out.
For more details about Reigniting Hope, contact Tracey Jones at 828-735-9574.