Discover Stories. Make an Impact.
Learn the journeys of those facing hardship and give directly to help them move forward. Every scan connects you with a real person’s story—and the chance to change their future..
GiveSafe is a platform that connects you with the personal stories of individuals experiencing homelessness. Through our app, you can learn about their journey, challenges, and aspirations—giving you a deeper understanding of their situation. If you feel inspired, you have the option to provide direct support, knowing that your contribution is secure and impactful. By fostering connection and awareness, we aim to create a world where everyone has the opportunity for a better future.
Learn the journeys of those facing hardship and give directly to help them move forward. Every scan connects you with a real person’s story—and the chance to change their future..
Imagine a world where you can truly understand someone's journey with just a scan. GiveSafe is more than an app—it’s a window into real stories of resilience. Our platform connects you with individuals experiencing homelessness, allowing you to learn about their challenges, aspirations, and needs. With the option to offer support, you can be part of a movement that fosters understanding and meaningful change.
Learn about the journeys of individuals experiencing homelessness and the challenges they face. Through GiveSafe, you can read their stories, understand their aspirations, and see how you can make a difference. When you're moved to help, you have the option to offer support in a way that truly matters.
Ask us about our Ambassador program and see how you can help in your community!. We are presently working in the Gastonia area of North Carolina but would love to start new areas to help.
Paul and Greg were very happy to work with and learn more about Jonathan and his story. It was a powerful moment that reinforced their mission—bringing real help to those in need. Meeting someone face-to-face, hearing their story, and providing them with a tangible way to receive support made all the hard work worthwhile. It was the first step in turning their vision into reality and inspired them to push forward, knowing they were making a meaningful impact.
In August, the Salvation Army closed the county’s only homeless shelter — putting a homeless person in Gastonia up to a six-hour walk away from the nearest shelter. Two months later, the county announced it was eliminating a department dedicated, in part, to homeless prevention.
Dwayne Burks is the executive director of Gateway Gaston, an organization that connects people with resources. He said since the shelter closure, he has seen an “explosion” of homeless encampments. But he doesn’t see a desire from elected officials to make another shelter happen. “There’s no real appetite to do it here,” he said. “Our elected officials have taken the posture of, well, if you’re poor, it’s probably because you just won’t work. So if you get a job, it’ll be all right.”
The freezing temperatures lately turn light rain into a dusting of snow over Gastonia. Now think about being outside all night in that weather. That’s why organizers opened a shelter in Gastonia for people experiencing homelessness after the county’s last shelter closed this year.
It was quickly established for people like Christopher Leach, who has spent the last month in a tent in the woods. “It’s cold out here, I think it’s good to have somewhere to stay where it’s warm,” Leach told Lemon. He said he heard about the center that opened last weekend with chairs, blankets, snacks, and the heaters. It’s a comfort compared to Leach’s only other option. “I get a five-gallon bucket and I put candles in them,” Leach said. “We are dealing with a lady who is expecting, she’s living in a tent. That’s just not safe,” Burks told Lemon. He started rallying churches when the Salvation Army closed their shelter in August. It was the only overnight shelter in the county. Burks and other organizers joined the city of Gastonia, Gaston County, and several non-profits looking for a new shelter. They settled on the farmer’s market because it’s an open space that is closed during the winter. “Some have donated money, some have donated volunteers. He said this is a start for a new shelter that’s growing,” Burks said.
