When a client began crying onto the shoulder of James Baird, he cried with him. The director of operations for Main Street Ministries in Winston County will never forget that moment.

“It hit hard, when people are crying they don’t have any food,” Baird said. “One lady gave us her address as the side of Highway 78. Many are homeless because this county does not have enough public housing. When they cry, I feel like crying also. I don’t believe in anyone going hungry. A lot of our old clients are taking care of their grandchildren and need help.”

Main Street Ministries provides folks in Winston County with food assistance. The group used to also give away furniture and clothing, but since the pandemic hit, the ministry provides only food.

“Now we only do food pickup outside,” Baird said. “It all began when we started giving away food at three churches in the county. Most of our people come from word of mouth. When gas got to be expensive, a lot of our clients couldn’t afford the gas to come get the food. So we set up distribution points in the county for them to come and get food.”

Main Street Ministries is an Alabama Bright Light helping those in need from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Baird and the folks at Main Street Ministries buy food from a supermarket in Haleyville. The cost has nearly quadrupled, he said. They depend on the generosity of organizations like the Alabama Power Foundation.

“We have received a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation in the past. We used the money to buy food, utilities, insurance and operation expenses,” Baird said. “We will apply again. Everything has gotten very expensive. We can use the money now, for sure.”

Main Street Ministries used to serve more than 1,200 people. Many have moved or have gotten jobs. Now the organization serves around 600, but the numbers are climbing.

Baird and his helpers want to make sure everyone knows they assist anyone needing help.

“We serve people of all colors and all races. We love all people,” Baird said. “One time we served a person that turned out to be Buddhist. It doesn’t matter.”

Main Street Ministries provides food for about 600 people in Winston County. (contributed)

Main Street Ministries Director James Baird. (contributed)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Main Street Ministries fed people inside its Winston County facility. Now it distributes food outside and delivers to three churches around the county so those who need food can spend less on transportation costs. (contributed)

Donations help James Baird, left, and Main Street Ministries carry on their mission of feeding hungry people in Winston County. (contributed)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Main Street Ministries fed people inside its Winston County facility. Now it distributes food outside and delivers to three churches around the county so those who need food can spend less on transportation costs. (contributed)

Baird explained why he works at Main Street Ministries.

“I do this because it’s where I am supposed to be. It makes me feel good to do what I do. You hear all kinds of stories. People just need help,” Baird said.

For more information or to donate, visit www.main street ministries.us.

Mail donations to:

Main Street Ministries

P.O. Box  551

Double Springs, AL 35553

Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our state’s brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning journalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories. Email him comments, as well as suggestions on people to profile, at karimshamsibasha@gmail.com.