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Kirk Center banquet Thursday
Ray Perez
Ray Perez has worked his way up to be an administrator at Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless after asking the organization for help himself two years ago. - photo by Photo provided.

Expect Ray Perez to attend the Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless’ sixth annual Hinesville Humanitarian and Phoenix Awards Banquet Thursday.

The former homeless man asked the center for help in 2014 and has worked his way to a position of authority with it since becoming a resident of its Shippey House just before Thanksgiving that year, according to a news release from the center.

"In 2015, Ray’s faithfulness, commitment and dedication to the Kirk Healing Center prompted Dr. Alicia Kirk to appoint him as a KHC Trustee," the release said.

He worked maintenance on the center’s vehicles and four residences, as well as various tasks at the K&K Thrift Shop.

As the center started working with the county’s prisoner re-entry program, Perez became housing coordinator for the center’s Shippey House, overseeing functions of the house and the needs of the men who live there. During the same time he joined First United Methodist Church, under Pastor Dale Thornton, and has since been selected to the church’s trustee board.

The banquet starts at 6 p.m. at the Liberty County Community Complex in Midway. Everyone is welcome. Dress is semi-formal. Tickets cost $35 and proceeds go to help the homeless in the county. RSVP by calling 912-369-2402 or 912-876-2740 or emailing kirkhomelesscenter@outlook.com.

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