Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Willingham.
Rhonda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
MIC was established in 2010 and my story began with an average lifestyle with my mom and dad and three brothers and all the natural things in life then by my own choices and decisions my story began. I was homeless for 18 and a half years. I was involved in drugs and prostitution and went to the penitentiary three times. One day in July, the Spirit told me to say goodbye. At that point, I went across the street and gave away everything that I owned. I then walked down Second Avenue and arrived at the Dallas International Street Church and I asked them to join the discipleship program. That’s when making my story count for something, from that came along Making It Count Inc.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road because I had to learn a new way of life. No more hustling. I had to live life on life’s terms. I had to let down my guard and let people know who I really was and trusting in the process; we could all come together. God gave me this verse 1 Peter 4:10. And it’s about being about service that I am a channel of God’s blessings. (The scripture says “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you had received.)
Making It Count, Inc. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Making It Count, Inc is a 501-C3 non-profit organization. We’re here to upbuild and rebuild our neighborhoods into a community by feeding, ministering and that’s to help all people, not just the homeless. Mission Statement: Founded in 2010 by Rhonda Willingham, Making It Count Inc. (M.I.C.) seeks to provide supplemental necessities such as shelter, food, clothing, and personal hygiene items to individuals and families in Dallas during economically challenging times.
Over the last ten years, M.I.C and its core volunteers has served over 10,000 meals, 8,500 hygiene packs and 1,300 coats and blankets to individuals without permanent housing. Many of the meals have been provided by donors while the coats, blankets and hygiene items were provided by private donations. I am known for being a support and always being available. I am proud of being able to reach as many people as I have but also having a vision to reach so many more. The fact is, there is no apart. I feel and believe my difference is I was molded, branded and risen. I am the dirt that Making It Count Inc is founded upon. And I say that because I was those streets. I truly believe that having walked in those shoes of the people, I am more reliable.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success has its own levels. So for one to truly succeed in this world, is to end homelessness. My personal success would be to bring the resource center into existence on our land at 3515 Metropolitan Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75210 which is called Deliverance Alley to give back what I helped bring down and uplift those that are down. We are to be a hand up, and not a handout. I am looking to impact a neighborhood that society labels “the hood” to the point of us being a community and a village that raises the children. My criteria is to be open, trusting and willing and the process will reveal itself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3515 Metropolitan Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75210 - Website: Makingitcountinc.org
- Phone: 2149168222
- Email: rpr079@aol.com
- Facebook: Facebook.com/makingitcountinc
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
