Big Momma’s House becoming a reality

Thanks to a large donation from a Pocatello kidney doctor, a pastor’s dream of creating a supportive home for the homeless is coming true.

Naeem Rahim, who co-founded the Idaho Kidney Institute and the humanitarian organization, the JRM Foundation, called Jacqualine Thomas over the weekend telling her he would donate $23,000 for her cause. So far, Thomas had raised $7,000 toward a $30,000 down payment. She had until Jan. 28 to secure the funds.

Thomas, pastor of Praise Temple of God church, had been trying to buy the Bistline Building since September. She got the idea to create a home when the Bannock County Sheriff’s mentioned the need for another resource for the homeless in town.

Thomas, however, wants Big Momma’s House to be more than just a shelter. Besides housing, she plans to provide educational and job-seeking opportunities, as well as provide mental, spiritual and emotional support and therapy. She even plans to provide substance abuse and domestic violence counseling and transportation services.

Donations can still be made at any Wells Fargo bank location in the area, as well as the PayPal link here.