CULLMAN, Ala. – Unsheltered International held its annual Dinner & Charity Auction on Friday, July 10, at The Venue at Cotton Creek.
Unsheltered International is a nonprofit organization that offers solace to those who experience homelessness in the community. While its main focus is housing individuals, it also aims to encourage discipleship and stability.
In the April 2026 issue of The Cullman Tribune’s Community Matters magazine, President and Executive Director Dr. Travis Sharpe told The Tribune, “We truly want them to stay with us for as long as they will. The entry process gives them time to decide if they want to commit for one to three years.”
Unsheltered International provides a three-phase program that takes participants through stabilization, ministry, self-discipline and workforce consistency. This can extend to 36 months, though each phase provides a different variable.
Sharpe noted, “The whole point of our ministry is to reach people with the gospel and make disciples. If we can’t do that we’ve missed our mark. It’s about Christ.”
The charity auction included dinner, a silent auction and a specialty cake auction.
The silent auction included several paintings, wooden windchimes, a dining table and even outdoor appliances.
A handmade quilt made by Cathy Boehme was displayed toward the auction stage. Sharpe mentioned at a previous charity auction a similar quilt went for $2,500.
Boehme’s quilt had an embroidered note on an inside corner on the quilt that read, “Unsheltered International 2026 – Pieced & Quilted in Cullman, AL.”
Sharpe also explained that a lot of items in the silent auction were donated by those in Unsheltered International, but also partners of the nonprofit.
“This is one of our two fundraisers that we have every year. We have one in March that is a different style fundraised. Then, of course, we have this one in the summer,” he stated. “It’s always a lot of fun. Everyone loves it and we all have a good time.”
When asked if specific people made the cake that would be auctioned off later in the evening Sharpe advised, “We have 21 cakes made by different people.”
Of the cakes displayed were a “Key Lime Cake” by EXIT Realty’s Leisa Van Gundy with lime garnish. A descriptor card described the treat: A dessert that features the distinct tartness of lime, combined with a sweet, moist cake base.”
A “German Chocolate Cake” made by Lana Byrd was also displayed among many other noteworthy goods.
Sharpe added, “It’s a great way to get people together and enjoy fellowship.”
Unsheltered International wrote the following on its Facebook page, “Thank you Jesus for a wonderful fundraiser Friday night. Our guests showed up and blessed this ministry greatly and we are so thankful to each and every one of you!”
They reported that while they are still processing donations, the projected total raised is totaling around $60,000.
“God is amazing!” it added.
To inquire about serving in Unsheltered International, contact the Ministry Center at 256-615-6024.
The Unsheltered International Ministry Center is located at 479 County Road 827, Cullman.
Find out more at www.unsheltered.org.
