MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After a major setback, Warriors Center, a Memphis-based non-profit dedicated to helping the homeless, remains dedicated to its mission of serving Memphians in need.
A few weeks before Christmas, Warriors Center purchased an abandoned nursing home building with plans to transform it into a 180-bed shelter for homeless women and children. However, their dream was met with an unexpected tragedy upon entering the facility.
David Vincent, CEO of Warriors Center, detailed his shocking discovery:
"We unknowingly walked right into an active crime scene. There were burglary tools and saws all over the floor, piles of copper wire and plumbing fixtures scattered everywhere. We saw bullets and shell casings all over the floor in the hall which told us that the culprits had guns. As we looked up, strange men in hoodies began walking out of rooms, obviously under the influence of drugs. I immediately shouted that the police were on the way, and we quickly exited the building."
The center called 911, and police arrived, bringing K-9 units to search the premises. However, the thieves had already fled, leaving behind extensive damage. The thieves had stolen most of the building’s copper, vandalized bathrooms to remove pipes and fixtures, and caused nearly a million dollars in damages.
The new building, located at 3030 Walnut Grove Road in the Binghamton neighborhood, was meant to provide hope for those in need. For 25 years, Warriors Center has been working to combat homelessness and addiction, starting with helping men and later expanding to support women.
Despite the setback, the organization is committed to completing the new facility for women and children.
"This was devastating, but we will not quit," said Vincent. "We have started the clean-up work and are setting in order plans to rebuild and keep the dream alive."
