Community Collaboration Spotlight - Quiet Storm Outreach Group Inc.

The Opelika Housing Authority is proud to spotlight a powerful moment of community collaboration that changed a young life for the better. On a recent Friday evening, after 5 p.m., Willie Mixon of YouthBuild Opelika reached out to Quiet Storm Outreach Group INC., requesting urgent support for a homeless teenager in need.

Despite the late hour, Quiet Storm's founder, Alvin Rowell, answered the call without hesitation. Within 24 hours, a thoughtful and immediate plan of action was activated to ensure the teen received emergency support. The two met at the Opelika Public Library, where Mr. Rowell provided the young man with new tennis shoes, shirts, shorts, pants, socks, a backpack, hygiene products, a $40 McDonald's gift card, lunch, and temporary emergency shelter.

This effort would not have been possible without the Opelika Police Department's Social Work Department and the support of Joshua Williamson and Shannon Shurrell, who were instrumental in connecting our local partners with Quiet Storm, based out of Montgomery, AL.

The teen expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting this experience has changed the trajectory of his life-especially as he prepares for a new chapter at Job Corps.

Special thanks to all involved: Quiet Storm Outreach Group INC., YouthBuild Opelika, Opelika Police Department, Opelika Social Work Department, Opelika Public Library, and the Opelika Housing Authority staff.

This is what true community support looks like.