Ministry working to overcome odds

    Andrews – A local ministry aimed at helping those who struggle with substance abuse finds itself locked in a battle to overcome the stigma that accompanies addiction.
    Highways N Hedges Ministry, which is registered as a nonprofit corporation in North Carolina, recently moved into a building on the 1400 block of Main Street after its membership outgrew their previous space.
    The group feeds its members a hot meal that’s cooked inside the property every night of the week. The ministry also hosts addiction recovery meetings at least once a week and worship services at least twice a week. The ministry even allows members to sleep overnight in the newly acquired building, which violates several town housing and fire codes.
    When speaking with members of the ministry, it’s easy to feel compassion for their cause. However, the group’s ambition and eagerness to make progress in their mission has placed them in a clash with town leaders, who feel the codes and laws must be followed.
    “We have to bring this building up to state standards in order to house people here,” Highways N Hedges President Steve Cochran told a group of members following a recent visit from a Cherokee County building inspector and the fire marshal. “They’re going to crack the whip. We’re more than likely going to face a shutdown by the county.
    “We rushed into this with good intentions, not trying to pull anything over on the state, but to help a fellow man.”
    Exposed electrical wires, lack of fire alarms, lack of heat, lack of fire-rated doors and a bathroom not complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act are just some of the obstacles threatening to force the ministry out of its current location.
    Ministry leaders say they’ve been gradually trying to fix the issues as they receive donations. However, the stigma associated with the ministry’s core clients may be hindering fundraising initiatives.
    The ministry transports members back and forth between Cherokee and Graham counties, leaving the impression that drug users and dealers are being purposely shipped to Andrews to set up shop.
    Ministry leaders say they randomly drug test members to ensure they remain on the straight and narrow path. And the group transports members between counties for two reasons: to keep them occupied with a different recovery program every night of the week, and because Graham County does not have a ministry that houses recovering drug users overnight.
    “Unfortunately, the drug world has no boundaries,” ministry vice president Paula Cochran said. “The body of Christ has got to come together, county to county, and stand in love.”
    Moreover, the ministry believes their choice to not form a proper “church” – and commitment to helping those who are still struggling with addiction – puts them at odds with other churches in the county that might otherwise be willing to help.
    The ministry has even offered to transport their members to areas throughout the community to perform paid home maintenance jobs, office cleanings and pet care. However, that fundraising attempt drew questions from skeptics who wondered whether the ministry is licensed, bonded and insured in the event that an “employee” damages or steals something.
    Despite the stigma hanging above their head and the uncertainty surrounding their location, the ministry continues to serve dinner every night and spread the word of God out of a building kept warm by numerous space heaters.
    “We’re learning as we go,” Paula said. “I believe with all my heart that it’s going to take the church and the body of Christ to let the boundaries be removed, regardless of whether it’s county lines, denominational lines or whatever.”