Hope

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”

Our Story

Place of Rest was birthed from a God-given vision entrusted to our CEO and Founder, Cheryl E. Strait—a woman who has personally experienced the challenges of homelessness. Through the support of the Department of Homeless Services and the grace of God, Cheryl transitioned from homelessness to becoming a productive, contributing member of society.

The vision for Place of Rest came to her on January 10, 2020, while walking to work at a homeless shelter. As she prayed and sought God for the name of the residence, she heard these words in her spirit: “Place of Rest.”

Place of Rest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with children experiencing homelessness.

About Our Founder

Cheryl currently serves as the Director of Social Services at a homeless shelter supporting individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders. She brings more than 20 years of experience in direct patient care and 15 years of service within the DHS Shelter System. She is also a certified Overdose Prevention and Intimate Partner Violence Trainer.

Her community leadership extends beyond her profession—she helped establish the EPP Tenants’ Committee, working to unite neighbors and foster collective action.

Cheryl faithfully serves at Clarion Call Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Crystal Baines, where she is the Shelter Ministry Leader, President of the Usher Board, Licensed Minister (2019), and Ordained Elder (2022).

Her educational achievements include:

Certificate of Fitness (F80) – Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters (2022)
B.A. in Psychology (Addictions Concentration) – Capella University (2022)
Bachelor of Ministry – Bethel Bible Institute (2022)
Master of Theology – Anchor Theological Seminary & Bible Institute (2025)
Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Theology, deepening her understanding of God’s word to better serve others.

Beyond her professional and ministry work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and is a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, godmother, and aunt.

Our Calling

Through prayer, community outreach, and fundraising, Place of Rest seeks to partner with landlords, community organizations, and vendors to provide safe transitional housing for families preparing to successfully reintegrate into the community.

In the meantime, we are committed to meeting immediate needs by providing:

Basic necessities (food, clothing, hygiene items)
Referrals for shelter placement
referrals to Mental health and substance use support services

Get Involved

We cannot do this work alone. If you are interested in making a lasting impact through financial contributions, clothing donations, or partnerships, we welcome your support.

All contributions are tax-deductible.

Thank you, and God bless.

Mission and Vision Statement

The Mission: Place of Rest is a faith-based organization providing transitional housing for homeless families with children. It is a sanctuary of hope, safety, and security for those seeking spiritual guidance and support. At Place of Rest, families are empowered to rise above their circumstances through connection to vital community resources, fostering lasting growth and stability for every member of the household.

The Vision: Positively impacting communities one family at a time.

The Board

Cheryl

Cheryl Strait is a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) with more than 12 years of experience serving individuals and families across all stages of life. Her career spans diverse social work settings, where she has demonstrated a deep commitment to equity, advocacy, and community well-being.

As both a dedicated professional and a proud mother, Cheryl brings a compassionate and holistic perspective to her work. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Place of Rest, where she combines her clinical expertise and lived experience to help advance the organization’s mission and vision.

Shandel Strait brings over 14 years of nursing experience, with a strong background in critical care across diverse hospital settings. She holds a BSN from USC Upstate, as well as a Master’s and Post-Master’s degree from Walden University. In addition to her clinical expertise, Shandel has a passion for education and serves as a clinical instructor, mentoring the next generation of nurses.

Beyond her professional life, Shandel is a proud mother of two daughters. She enjoys reading, spontaneous beach day trips, and spending quality time with her family. Her compassion, leadership, and commitment to service make her a valued member of the board, dedicated to supporting families experiencing homelessness.

Shandel

Asher

Asher Cockburn, LMSW, is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and has dedicated her life to serving others through both ministry and mental health care. She holds a Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling and provides therapy to survivors of domestic violence at New York City Health + Hospitals, supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other challenges.

A devoted member of Clarion Call Ministries under Dr. Crystal Baines, Asher serves as a Pastor’s Aid, teaches Sunday School, and actively participates in prayer ministry. She is also pursuing her Clinical Social Work License and further studies in Biblical Studies. Above all, Asher treasures her role as mother to her daughter, Natalia. Her dedication to spiritual growth and professional excellence reflects the mission of our organization and makes her a valuable member of the Board.

Lansfield Robinson retired after a long and successful career as an Elevator Mechanic with Schindler Elevator, where he dedicated many years to his craft. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lansfield has always been passionate about ministry and community service. He earned a Bachelor of Ministry from Bethel Bible Institute in 2022 and a Master of Theology from Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute in 2025. Lance is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Theology, continuing his dedication to spiritual growth and academic excellence.

Now in retirement, Lansfield is committed to using his skills, faith, and experience to serve others. As a board member he strives to mentor, encourage, and contribute to the mission of providing hope, stability, and support to families experiencing homelessness.

Lance

Community Drive

Walking in Love Shoe Ministry

Walking in Love Shoe Ministry is dedicated to providing shoes to individuals and families in need. With the rising cost of living, many are forced to make difficult choices between paying rent, buying food, or purchasing essential items like shoes.

A good pair of shoes is more than just footwear, it supports health, mobility, and dignity. Proper shoes protect against injury and illness, while also boosting confidence and helping individuals feel comfortable in work, school, and social settings.

Through this ministry, we strive to walk in love by meeting a basic yet powerful need ensuring that no one has to go without the comfort and confidence of a dependable pair of shoes.

Covered with Love Coat Drive

Help Keep Our Neighbors Warm This Winter

Our community coat drive is all about caring for one another and making sure everyone stays warm during the cold months. A cozy coat doesn’t just bring comfort, it helps protect against illness and makes it easier for people to stay active, go to work, school, and enjoy daily life outdoors.

We’re collecting new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, undergarments, and socks for those in need. Every donation, big or small, helps bring warmth and kindness to someone’s winter.

Thank you for sharing the warmth!

We’d Love to Hear From You
If you’d like to donate, learn more, or request a referral, we welcome you to reach out. Together, we can continue to make a difference and be a "Place of Rest" for those in need.

📧 Email: LetsTalk@PlaceofRest1.org
📞 Phone: 347-772-7449

Support our mission by sending your financial donation via Zelle: 347-772-7449

Referral Hours (shelters, mental health, addictions programs, and more)

Monday – Friday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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