{"id":119,"date":"2017-01-01T22:36:14","date_gmt":"2017-01-01T22:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shelteringarmscoalition.com\/?page_id=119"},"modified":"2025-06-26T19:05:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:05:49","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/shelteringarmscoalition.com\/index.php\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"
Mark 9:35<\/h5>\n

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, \u201cAnyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.\u201d<\/p>\n

We continue to run our dining hall\/soup kitchen every Sunday. We are now able feed the homeless as well as those in need, no one is turned away. We are developing relationships with those we serve and find out more about their needs, so that we may continue to serve them. Last year we expanded into providing a free resource store for those in need as well, which has a similar purpose of developing relationships and helping beyond the providing free items. We have also made these facilities available to other nonprofits that don’t have an area to provide service\/training. In 2024 we signed an MOU with Christian Women’s Job Corp to use our facility 3 days a week for their classes. Coalition is a big part of who we are, and we believe it will take more than just us to end homelessness in East Texas. We have
\norganized a game day to give the homeless a place to come and relax. While they are there, we allow the use of the washer\/dryer and our showers. Our building\/facilities also hosts the Community Collaboration Council meetings as well. We provide lunch and encourage other nonprofits to join and work together. These funds will allow us to cover our general expenses, utilities, supplies, education material, and more. We continue to explore new ways to expand our services and fill the gaps within our community.<\/p>\n

Our focus and mission continues towards developing a tiny home community for homeless veterans, and are currently looking for land and funding.<\/p>\n

The board of Directors:<\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

David Peters <\/span><\/p>\n

President\/Treasure<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I was born in a small town in West Virginia, where I lived until the age of 5, when my family relocated to Northern Virginia.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>This is where I met and married my wife Karen.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>I began working construction right out of high school at the age of 17.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>By the age of 24, I owned and operated my own class \u201cA\u201d general contracting company.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>My wife and I moved to Texas in December of 1992 with our 3 children.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>I continued in my chosen vocation until semi-retiring in August 2007.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>This allowed me more time to spend with my family as well as be more involved with the church.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>In March 2010 I took a part time position with USPS, and continued there for 5 years.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>In April 2015 I accepted a position as Vocational Instructor\/Community Service Coordinator Supervisor for Smith County Juvenile Services where<\/span>\u00a0I have the opportunity to share my knowledge in construction, and oversee the auto mechanics, welding, and horticulture department, making a difference in the lives of our youth.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

I have been blessed by God in so many ways. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>He has provided a wife, children, grandchildren, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>He affords me the privilege to serve others.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>I will continue to strive to find God\u2019s grace and blessings in all He provides for me.<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>It is with this servant\u2019s heart that I have come to start Sheltering Arms Coalition.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Christopher Bankhead<\/span><\/p>\n

Vice President <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I was born in Uniontown, PA. \u00a0My family would later relocate to Missouri and eventually settle in Texas in 1988. \u00a0I attended school at a few different school districts, before we settled into Whitehouse, where I would eventually graduate in 1996. \u00a0After high school, I attended Tyler Junior College where I pursued a degree in Computer Science. \u00a0My wife Amanda and I were married in 2012, and I have three beautiful daughters: Taylor, Kayte, and Emmalyn.<\/p>\n

I have spent the last 18 years in the solid waste industry in a variety of positions from driver to Operations Manager. \u00a0I am currently an Operations Supervisor for Waste Connections, Inc out of Palestine, Texas. \u00a0Through the years of working in the solid waste industry, I have seen numerous people in need and homeless on our streets living in alleys, eating out of trash cans, sleeping in dumpsters and dumpster enclosures, just to stay warm. \u00a0It wasn’t until recently, that I have really felt the call to help. \u00a0So here I am, passionate and ready, to take on the fight to lift the homeless off the streets and empower them to succeed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"David Dobbs<\/span><\/p>\n

Board Member\/Legal Council\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

David is admitted to practice before the Texas state courts, Fifth Circuit, and the United States District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and Texas Trial Lawyers Association.<\/p>\n

David was a prosecuting attorney for the Smith County District Attorney\u2019s office for twelve years serving as Chief Felony Prosecutor and First Assistant District Attorney. He served as the lead prosecutor in numerous capital murder and murder prosecutions, including seventeen death penalty cases.<\/p>\n

Professional experience and honors include the following:<\/h3>\n