MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Barnabas Vision is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of helping thousands of local residents avoid falling into a cycle of homelessness.
WGNS spoke with David Coggin, who founded the Murfreesboro nonprofit with his wife, Maria, in August 2011. He explained how an unexpected expense can quickly create a series of financial problems for a struggling family...
Many of the households served by Barnabas Vision are led by single parents. Because those parents have only one income to depend on, Coggin said the goal of the organization and its volunteers is to stop the snowball effect in which one problem quickly leads to another... He added that many people would be surprised by the number of local families living on the verge of homelessness, often only one missed paycheck away from a financial crisis.
Two of the biggest problems that area residents have faced in recent months, at least the problems that have generated about 100-phone calls each week at Barnabas Vision, involve car troubles and health problems, both of which lead to costly bills that can prevent other bills from being paid on time...
When someone’s vehicle breaks down, it may seem that taking an Uber, hiring a taxi or using Murfreesboro’s Rover public transportation system would provide a simple solution. Coggin said, however, that those alternatives are often unavailable, impractical or too expensive for the families seeking help...
Many organizations today also hear stories about grandparents playing the role as parents to their grandchildren, which is an issue that a lot of local non-profits hear. That too presents its own scenario of problems that can negatively impact the dynamics of a family.
ANNIVERSARY: Barnabas Vision will host a 15th-anniversary celebration on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at its office, located at 141 MTCS Road in Murfreesboro. Past clients who have received assistance, along with donors, volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about the nonprofit, are invited to drop by anytime between 7 and 10 a.m. Free coffee and doughnuts will be served during the celebration.
- PODCAST: Hear our full interview with David Coggin, founder of Barnabas Vision and Ansley Ledbetter. Development & Marketing Manager for the non-profit, by clicking PLAY above this article.
