The Resting Place of Pelham opened its doors on Jan. 31, 2026, marking a milestone in helping women transition out of crisis in Shelby County.
A Haven for Women in Need
The Resting Place of Pelham (RPP) is a newly established nonprofit committed to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women experiencing homelessness and economic insecurity in Pelham, Alabama. The organization’s mission is to provide immediate relief—food, hygiene, clothing—while equipping women with tools for long-term self-sufficiency through support in job placement, ID recovery, and education.
With support from Cawaco RC&D, RPP completed the first phase of renovating a donated building into a safe, functional center for basic services and support. The grant funded construction of two ground-floor rooms designed to support immediate service needs such as hygiene, laundry, and intake assistance.
Community Partnership and Support
The project reflects strong community investment in addressing homelessness and poverty in Shelby County. RPP leases the building from First Baptist Church of Pelham, which has significantly invested in the organization’s success. Local churches continue to assist with outreach, volunteers, and resources.
Cawaco’s investment came with the support of the Shelby County Legislative Delegation, including Rep. Kenneth Paschal, Sen. April Weaver, and Sen. Dan Roberts, who were all in attendance at the ribbon cutting.
“This project shows what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Patti Pennington, Cawaco’s programs manager. “The Resting Place was born from someone who identified a need because she’d lived it—and it took shape because so many people invested their time, resources, and hearts into making it real. That’s the kind of locally-led, compassionate work that creates lasting change.”
A Foundation for Transformation
RPP estimates that approximately 100 women will benefit from this facility during its first year of operation. The completion of Phase 1 lays the foundation for long-term capacity building, with plans to expand programs focused on employment readiness, housing stability, and holistic care.
The Resting Place of Pelham’s grand opening is the beginning of a compassionate, dignified approach to helping women transition out of crisis. By addressing immediate needs while building pathways to self-sufficiency, this facility will serve as a vital resource for Shelby County’s most vulnerable residents.
