West End Ministries Offers Shelter, Meals and Emergency Assistance in High Point

West End Ministries scaled up services following recent winter storms on Feb 4, 2026, delivering meals, clothing and emergency financial help to High Point residents confronting homelessness, utility shutoffs and hunger. The agency coordinated volunteers and local partners to meet increased demand, continuing a role as a neighborhood safety net that leaders say fills gaps in social services.

Executive Director Brad Bowers described the breadth of services at the High Point-based ministry: “We cover a gauntlet of things here at West End Ministries, everything from food insecurity to homelessness to children’s after school care to senior programs.” Bowers added, “The list goes on and on. We try to make sure that nobody in High Point is slipping through the cracks. Anybody that is in need, anybody that just needs a little help, that’s what we’re here for.” He emphasized access with a plain directive: “All you have to do is ask.”

West End Ministries’ programs include Leslie’s House, identified as the largest shelter for women in Guilford County; a winter shelter program; a food ministry that traces back to English Road Baptist around 2003-2004; clothing distribution; emergency assistance for rent, utility and gas bills; after-school child care; and senior programs featuring monthly meetings, fellowship, entertainment and supplemental food. Staff and volunteers have been shifting resources to serve more residents during spikes in need tied to cold weather and economic strain.

The ministry’s roots reach back to about 2000, when several High Point churches joined forces to form a neighborhood ministry. Community actors such as Becky Yates of Caring Services and a group of pastors who met at Emerywood Baptist pushed the work forward. Early efforts included improvised sheltering during winter months; ministry leaders recall giving thick, large furniture boxes to women trying to sleep outdoors, a solution summed up in the recollection, “It was as ridiculous as it reads.”

A decision to open an initial women’s shelter in the West End Ministries Community Center basement came on January 15, 2006. Small cards were later distributed inviting women in need, and a January 23, 2006 date is noted in source material in connection with Pastor Jim’s birthday; available accounts do not specify the exact significance of that later date. Pastor Jim reflected on the ministry’s approach to care: “We have to meet people where they are in their heart and mind. It's the only way we can minister to them. As you can imagine, people on the streets and those coming from traumatic situations don't understand or always think reasonably. They are often a mess. We, sometimes, have to love people a long time before they can even get to the point of healing and change. Others need mental health or drug treatment referrals, some have simply hit a road bump, have health issues or are starting over having fled bad situations and need resources, training and monetary assistance to get back on their feet. All need care and love which is what led West End Ministries and friends towards the creation of Leslie’s House.”

City support helped get the shelter started; Michelle McNair of the city of High Point provided initial funds, and local partners such as High Point Community Against Violence have been involved. For Guilford County readers, West End Ministries remains a front-line resource when winter weather and economic pressures converge: leadership stresses that help is available and that residents in need should reach out. Continued reporting will examine capacity, service statistics and the ministry’s long-term funding as demand for emergency assistance persists.