The Locker Room
At Feed My Sheep, we strive to meet the needs of our community, offering services that go beyond food and shelter to provide dignity, care, and opportunities for connection. One of our most impactful resources is The Locker Room, our men’s day center. Designed as a haven during the day, The Locker Room offers practical services and a sense of community that helps men regain stability in their lives.
A Resource Tailored to Needs
The Locker Room provides essentials that are often out of reach for those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Men can access free showers and laundry facilities, ensuring they can maintain personal hygiene—something critical for interviews, work, or just feeling human. The center also offers lockers where belongings can be securely stored during appointments, job interviews, or work shifts.
But The Locker Room is more than a place for practical needs. It’s a space to relax, watch TV, read, and build relationships. Whether someone needs a quiet corner to nap during the day or a friendly face to share a conversation, The Locker Room is there. For many, it becomes a small but vital anchor in the midst of life's storms.
A Culture of Care
Samuel Hanks, one of the volunteers who helps run The Locker Room, has seen its impact firsthand. A retired engineer and lifelong Texan, Sam brings a unique perspective to his role. He was drawn to volunteer when the need arose, but what began as a simple task quickly became a meaningful journey.
“It was a learning experience at first,” Sam shared, reflecting on his time in The Locker Room. “A lot of people lose their way, and it’s kind of a gift of God to help them find their way back to where they want to be.”
Sam emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the men who come through the center. “Everybody, every kid, has a dream. If you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, you’re really not focusing on your desires,” he said. For Sam, connecting with these men and understanding their stories is key to helping them move forward.
A Growing Community
When Sam started volunteering, connecting with the guys came with challenges. Over time, he’s seen The Locker Room develop into more than just a day center—it’s become a community. “People are starting to focus on each other instead of just being individuals. They’re starting to care about each other again,” he explained.
Sam describes The Locker Room as a place of peace. “The nights are hard for some of them, and the changes they have to go through to get back to where they want to be— recognized as a man—it gives them time to focus on that,” he said.
For Sam, the ultimate goal is helping men understand that this is a temporary service, not a way of life. “If we can get everyone focusing on each other’s needs and how to improve each other’s lives, I think everybody can help each other out.”
Why It Matters
The Locker Room embodies what Feed My Sheep is all about: meeting physical needs while also fostering relationships and creating spaces where people are seen and valued. It’s not just a resource; it’s a reminder that every person has dignity and matters.
For the men who come here, The Locker Room is more than a day center—it’s a lifeline, a place to pause, and a step toward rebuilding their lives. And for people like Sam, it’s an opportunity to live out their faith and show the love of Christ to others.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Locker Room or how you can get involved, visit our website at fmstemple.org to sign up to volunteer or schedule a tour of our facilities. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one life at a time.