Gwinnett Nonprofit Organizes Benefit for Homeless Families

For some, volunteering is something done out of duty on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For others, it's a way of life.

is the daughter of , principal and founder of .

Raised in a home that hosted a steady stream of foster children, Johnson learned compassion at a very young age. As the founder of The Faith Project, she and other volunteers spend every weekend in downtown Atlanta with the homeless. Her mother said that the homeless often stand around and wait for her to show up.  They are never disappointed. 

“All of her life we've been into giving,” said Ferguson, “so it's exciting as a family to know she wanted to do something for the homeless.”

Now, though, she wants to do something more.

On Wednesday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Johnson and The Faith Project will host a Christmas in July for the homeless at Integrity Christian Academy. They expect between 50-75 people to show up at the event, along with 30 volunteers.

Johnson has been busy in the community soliciting donations over the past few months.  has donated plates, Sonic has donated cups, and Quick Trip has donated enough ice to get them through the afternoon.  will be there with a crew of hair stylists to wash and style participants' hair.

It will be a day of service for those who need it most.  

Over the course of the afternoon there will be live entertainment, including a poetry reading and dancing.

She has partnered with the Southeast Cooperative, Gwinnett Childrens' Shelter and the Department of Family and Children Services.

One of the most exciting portions of the day will be the opportunity for participants to shop at Corey's Closet. It will be set up like a store, with racks, shelving and shopping bags. Everyone will be able to search easily for their size clothes and shoes, along with coats, purses, accessories and lots of suits and dress clothes.

Assistant Pastor James Wilson of Lithonia's New Galilee Christian Ministries has been very involved with The Faith Project.

“The Lord placed something on her heart,” Rev. Wilson said, “and just out of the trunk of her car she personally did whatever she could.”

She organized events “out of the goodness of her heart.” He cited an example of a homeless shelter in Atlanta that was cutting washcloths and towels in half, simply because they did not have enough.

Johnson organized a towel and washcloth drive and was able to deliver over a thousand to the shelter.

Rev. Wilson will play Santa Claus at the event on Wednesday. His church will also be in charge of the kitchen.

“We just want to make sure everyone is loved and cared about,” he said.

If you would like to volunteer or more information, email info@thefaithprojectinc.org.  You can also visit their website or Facebook page.