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From Empty Shelves to Full Hearts: The Journey Home Opens New Facility, Launches Urgent Food Drive

Nov 03, 2025 at 01:13 pm by WGNS News


Murfreesboro, TN - The Journey Home has officially settled into its new location at 1207 Old Salem Road, and while the move marks a major milestone for the Murfreesboro-based nonprofit, it also comes with an urgent plea: the pantry shelves are bare.

“We need the community’s help to quickly restock this vital resource so we can continue serving our community from our new location without interruption,” said Lis Courser, Director of Development and Marketing. To meet the need, the organization has launched a Non-Perishable Food Drive, inviting neighbors to help transform their empty shelves into a fully stocked lifeline.

The new facility isn’t just a change of address—it’s a leap forward in capacity and care. With 10 short-term housing units for families, a larger Community Café, and expanded spaces for healthcare, employment assistance, group meetings, and teaching, The Journey Home is now equipped to serve more people, more holistically. Consolidated office space also means more streamlined services under one roof.

But none of it works without food. The pantry is essential to daily operations, and right now, it needs everything: canned proteins like tuna, chicken, salmon, and peanut butter; starches like pasta, rice, cereal, and oatmeal; hearty meals like soups, chili, and stews; canned fruits and vegetables; and large #10 cans of staples like tomato sauce and chili beans.

Donations can be dropped off directly at the new facility on Old Salem Road. For those who prefer to give financially, online contributions are welcome and allow the team to purchase exactly what’s needed most.

In 2024 alone, The Journey Home served over 2,600 individuals across 1,400 households. With community support, they helped stabilize 350 households and prevented eviction for another 120. Their Coldest Nights program provided winter shelter to 206 people, and the Community Café served 55,000 meals—powered by more than 1,000 volunteers.

Now, as they settle into their new home, they’re asking Murfreesboro to help them keep the shelves—and spirits—full.

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