JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – New Rivers Ministries has stopped allowing homeless people to stay overnight after the city determined the building does not meet fire safety requirements.
Pastor Lisa Holloway said the city told her people can no longer stay the night because the building lacks a fire box and a fire exit plan. The ministry had been providing overnight shelter during the winter months.
“It’s tough because you know when you’re home, warm, and have a shelter over your head, there is somebody out there who needs that too,” said Vannisa Wilder, an usher at the church.
Holloway said she was initially upset by the city’s decision but understands the reasoning. She said her main goal is to keep homeless people safe inside the building at night, and the best way to do that is to meet fire codes.
The overnight shelter program began before a major snowstorm in January 2025, when Holloway said she felt called to help.
“The Lord woke me up one night and told me to give them some place to go,” Holloway said.
The ministry provided more than just a place to rest. Staff set up cots for people to sleep on, showed Christian-based movies, and made popcorn for guests.
Wednesday afternoon, an engineer came to the ministry to create a fire exit plan as part of the process to meet proper fire codes.
Holloway said the community support has been overwhelming.
“I’m not sad. I’m just overwhelmed and overjoyed by the response from everybody,” she said.
While the ministry is closed for overnight stays, it remains open during mornings to offer breakfast and a warm building for homeless individuals.
Holloway said she hopes to have people be able to stay the night again within the next two weeks.
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