The highly anticipated Hope City homeless shelter, a project by Great Commission Ministries (GCM), has been postponed until 2026 due to significant setbacks. Bishop Walter Hanchell, the founder of GCM, acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that a detailed update would be provided before the end of the year. The shelter, announced in 2023, is envisioned as a two-story, 100-bed facility equipped with dormitories and an empowerment center focused on skills training, job readiness, and life-skills development. Despite having approved plans and a construction estimate of $3.5 million, the project has encountered serious obstacles. Paul Daniel Lewis, chair of GCM’s Resource and Philosophy Committee, emphasized the critical role of increased volunteer participation in the ministry’s future expansion, particularly for the successful launch of Hope City. He highlighted ongoing initiatives like ‘Live to Give’ and ‘Stop and Drop,’ as well as direct-deposit options, to encourage consistent contributions from residents and corporate partners. Bishop Hanchell also detailed GCM’s monthly ‘Power Up’ program, which aims to empower disenfranchised individuals through training in budgeting and life improvement. The ministry continues to face overwhelming demand for its emergency housing services, often resorting to placing families in hotels when shelters are full. With the need for public support growing, GCM is seeking at least 200 new volunteers to bolster its operations in 2026.