Groundbreaking at Sims Park Offers Hope for Displaced Families in Coffee County

The Hope Initiative, along with Hope for Coffee, city, county, state, and community leaders of Coffee County, held a significant Groundbreaking Ceremony in Douglas and Coffee County. The event, hosted by The Hope Initiative, Hope for Coffee, and the City of Douglas, took place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the park at 315 Alunza Street. This special occasion marked the launch of a new housing development designed to assist residents who suffered total home loss or were displaced due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. It also paid tribute to Mr. Lee Sims, who lost his life while helping with recovery efforts after the hurricane. Additionally, the development will provide workforce housing for those who have traveled to the community to aid in these efforts.

Many thanks to the partners who made this project a reality: The Hope Initiative, Hope for Coffee, American Red Cross, City of Douglas, Douglas-Coffee County Land Bank Authority, Pilgrim's, Destiny Leaders, Imagine Leaders, Grace Church, His House Ministries, and the Mennonite Disaster Service.

Special thanks to everyone who attended the event, including Sherry Sims and the Sims family, Jody Redding (Office of the Governor), Pastor Stephen Boyken (The Hope Initiative), Lisa Mathews (The Hope Initiative), Dennis Harris, Chris Sheffield (GracePointe Church), Mayor Tony Paulk, JoAnne Lewis (Hope for Coffee), Devis Burnam (Hope for Coffee), Pastor Mike Acosta, Charlie Davis (City Manager), Angie O'Steen (Georgia House District 169 Representative), James Burchett (Georgia House District 176 Representative), Dinitra Williams (Douglas-Coffee County Land Bank Authority), Georgia Henderson (Assistant City Manager), representatives from Pilgrim's Crystal Huerta and Lee Hiner (Plant Manager), American Red Cross representatives Edwina Gibson and Jackie Shoemaker, Stanley Evans (Statewide Engineering), and Josh Brigmond.

For photos from the event, please visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=CityofDouglasGAGovernment&set=a.1062129152767443