PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry hosts holiday events to help families in need

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the heart of Chattanooga, a quiet movement of compassion is taking hold.

The nonprofit PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry, led by the gracious and spirited man more often called PawPaw, is shining a light for those living on the city’s streets.

PawPaw, whose given name is Mike Rice, describes his role with humility and purpose.

He says, “it feels like a calling.” He explains, “It’s such a blessing. I always tell my volunteers in this ministry. You never know what life is going to bring, look people in the eye, let them know they’re cared about, let them know that they’re heard, let them know that they’re seen.”

Every act of kindness, every shared meal, every welcoming smile is rooted in that simple but powerful idea, and each person matters.

“Everybody’s special