The Board of Directors of the Richmond County Mental Health Society will hold an appreciation reception on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in recognition of John and Helen Baker for their comprehensive contributions to the homeless and needy in the community.

“They have tremendous hearts and are absolutely amazing,” said Rene Rohleder, volunteer program director for the Richmond County Mental Health Society. “They have a true desire to help people in need.”

At the reception, the society will honor the couple by renaming the Rockingham homeless shelter on South Hancock Street, the “Baker House”.

The Baker’s have been involved with the soup kitchen and homeless shelter programs for decades, even into their twilight years and they have been a vital part of the volunteer-based program focused on the care of others, Rohleder.

According to Rohleder, the Bakers have volunteered with soup kitchens, gathered clothing for the homeless and assisted with shelter programs since the 1970s, and their involvement has stayed strong and steady.

John Baker is currently the Board President and Helen remains active in the shelter and soup kitchens in Rockingham and Hamlet.

They recently received an “Outstanding Older Adult Award” from the Charlotte Presbytery for their dedication to the hungry and homeless.

The Bakers and Rohleder were front runners in re-establishing the program in the community after the absence of a shelter when it had shut down years before.

“We decided this is something the community couldn’t do without,” Rohleder said. “And it has grown into a big operation.”

Coinciding with the dedication of the Baker House, this month the Men’s Shelter will open its doors during the winter season to house males who require assistance and a place to sleep.

The shelter provides approximately 30 beds and cots, showers, clothing, toiletries including: Deodorant, soap and shampoo. Additionally, it provides two meals a day for all of those in need.

“It’s safe here. It’s warm here. And we try to help in any way we can,” Rohleder said.

Yet, with only a men’s shelter, the community and program lacks a children and women’s shelter. Fortunately, Rohleder is in the planning stages and working with others in the program to seek out community support and funding to support the shelter.

According to Rohleder, the women and children’s shelter would open directly next-door to the men’s shelter as it’s part of the same building and already owned by the program.

“We have set out to bless others, but others have been the ones to bless us,” Rohleder said.

The soup kitchens serve cooked meals from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. every month in Hamlet on Monday and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and in Rockingham, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

For more information on the dedication or their other programs, contact Rene Rohleder at (910) 997-2298.