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Ten years ago, Pat Chamberlain and his wife Chelsea founded Out of the Ashes, as a ministry serving homeless people of Rutherford County. Through the years, lives have been changed, and relationships rebuilt. Pat is happy with the progress, with the success, that the organization has made, and looks forward to the future.
Out of the Ashes began when the Grace of God Rescue Mission in Forest City, decided to focus solely on operating a nightly soup kitchen, and no longer provide a homeless shelter.
Out of the Ashes began in a house off Old Ross Road, but eventually was able to acquire a much larger facility, located at 131 Countryside Drive, Forest City. This is a former church campus, and allows the organization to now safely serve men, women, and children.
When it began, Out of the Ashes served a handful of men. While the numbers frequently change, the organization last week had 23 individuals housed onsite, nine women, nine men, and five children.
In 2025, Out of the Ashes served more than 500 individuals in total, far exceeding the previous year of around 350. Throughout 2025 and these first months of 2026, Chamberlain says the economy is driving more people to the edge and compelling people to seek services from Out of the Ashes.
Chamberlain points out that the organization receives no government funding at all, yet it continues to be a vital lifeline for the community, providing shelter, and often transportation, food and other support to hundreds who are homeless.
He concedes that approximately half of the Out of the Ashes clients have battled substance abuse in some form, but a significant number have not.
"Some struggle because of toxic relationships they have had. Some simply had an unexpected job loss, or suffered a marriage break-up, which has major financial impacts," Chamberlain said. "We have veterans, we have widows, we have mothers with children. They struggle to find work because of the cost of child care."
Chamberlain often receives referrals from the law enforcement agencies across Rutherford County, including Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
"Out of the Ashes has been a big help to us," said Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg. "Pat has always been willing to help us out. Besides providing a place to stay, he helps us connect with other resources, other organizations that can help."
Ellenburg points out that homelessness is not only a Rutherford County problem.
"This is a problem all across North Carolina and in other states," Ellenburg said. "I know other law enforcement agencies, other shelters are trying to deal with this in other nearby counties. This is not unique to Rutherford County."
He continued "I appreciate the support Pat has given to us, and what he is doing for these people who are struggling. I am impressed with what he is able to do."
"I believe that Out of the Ashes is a huge asset to Rutherford County. We are fortunate to have them here," Ellenburg added. "It does take a lot of people, a lot of different groups, different programs working together, to make a difference in our community when it comes to homelessness."
Out of the Ashes is a faith-based organization, but clients are never required to be a Christian, in order to receive services. Chamberlain says the struggles faced by the clients are real, but there is hope.
"We believe that if the person wants to change, if they are willing to make the choices necessary to improve their lives, then yes it can be done," Chamberlain said "But a key is that they have to want to change. People have to want our assistance and guidance. We can't force anyone to do anything."
"Some people on the streets, or living in a tent in the woods, they do not want our help. Some want to continue the lifestyle they are living. And these are people that we just can not help," Chamberlain added.
Out of the Ashes serves clients connected to Rutherford County or Polk County. The organization has individual supporters living in both counties. But, Chamberlain insists that Out of the Ashes is not a "dumping ground."
Individuals receiving services can not be actively abusing substances, and they can not accept registered sex offenders because the facility includes children.
The person has to want to participate in the program, which includes setting and meeting short long-term goals designed to stabilize their lives and eventually move them to independent living, according to Chamberlain. Out of the Ashes helps people find jobs, and connects them to housing, and various counseling and treatment services if needed.
"I think members of the public may not understand, or appreciate the fact that there are many people in Rutherford County, living on the edge. Many are one paycheck or one major illness away from being homeless themselves," Chamberlain said. "Nobody wakes up in the morning, and says, wow, I think I want to be homeless. Nobody really wants to be homeless."
"We want to give God the glory, for the success that we have had so far in helping people recover their lives," he continued. "God is still moving, still setting people free."
Many factors contribute to people being homeless, including addiction, a poor economy, skyrocketing costs associated with housing and childcare, and negative personal choices.
"There are a lot of people in need, and good organizations doing good work," Chamberlain said. "The question is who is willing to be a part of the solution. There remains a lot of work to be done."
"Life, for a lot of people, can be hard," he added. "People often just need real encouragement, and genuine guidance. They need a path forward."
To learn more about Out of the Ashes, call 828-395-2000. To donate, send a check to: Out of the Ashes, P.O. Box 335, Bostic, NC 28018.
