By MARY BAILEY The Reporter
A job is never work when you feel that it is your calling.
As of October 1, Rachael Suzanne McCollum is now serving as the new Executive Director of the Marshall County Homeless Ministries, and she feels she is exactly where she needs to be.
A hometown girl and graduate of Albertville High School, she has always felt the call to serve others.
She has been the Team Lead at Liberty Church Room in the Inn since 2020, she has been the practice owner of Quality Hearing Healthcare for over a decade serving multiple locations and is a nationally board-certified hearing specialist.
“I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, starting with my career as a Hearing Specialist at a young age. I always loved helping people, and after being blessed to serve as an hearing apprentice under Dr. Raymond Yount, I was further blessed to be able to open my own practice. My job became my ministry. I would show love and care to my patients, pray for them, and assist them in any way I could. However, I felt a calling to serve more,” McCollum said.
“That’s when Shirley Chupp introduced me to Room in The Inn, a ministry that utilizes local churches to host those without homes during the cold weather months. My kids and I began hosting neighbors at our home church, Liberty Church in Arab, once a month, and soon, our church loved it so much that we decided to host every week. My passion grew, and I led the Room in The Inn team for years. After obtaining the position as Director of Marshall County Homeless Ministries, I was honored. With God’s timing, I sold two of my Hearing locations to a trusted friend, Rebecca McMahan, allowing me to transition into full-time ministry. Although it was scary leaving the familiar of being a business owner to leading a ministry, I realized that both roles just required a heart for people. My children serve alongside me, making it a family affair. I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m excited to continue serving others with love and compassion.”
McCollum said she has always had a heart for ministry and a desire to serve others.
“Before I started working with the homeless, I was involved in addiction ministry. I’d share my own story at Celebrate Recovery and volunteer at some of our awesome addiction recovery organizations like Stay Free Ministries here in Marshall County. Seeing people overcome addiction and find freedom is incredible. It was an experience that has helped prepared me for my current role in homeless ministry. Now, I’m honored to be serving as the Director of Marshall County Homeless Ministries, and I’m not alone, Shirley Chupp, the previous Executive Director with over 10 years of experience, is working hand-in-hand with me to ensure a smooth transition and offer her expertise. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I’m grateful for her continued involvement. Together, we’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve,” she continued.
“As the Executive Director of Marshall County Homeless Ministries, I am proud to help lead an organization that serves our community in multiple ways. Our assistance program helps individuals and families stay in their homes, preventing homelessness whenever possible. Our outreach program provides a safe space for people to access essential services like showers, laundry facilities, and food. We have year-round transitional housing and additionally, during the cold weather months, our cold weather shelter program partners with local churches to provide a warm and safe haven for those without homes. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to these vital services and a chance to thrive.”
McCollum said her new role is very important to her, one she doesn’t take lightly.
“As a ministry, we are driven by our Christian faith to serve others and demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ We believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Through our work at Marshall County Homeless Ministries, we strive to meet physical needs and point people to the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ. We are privileged to serve in this way and be part of God’s work in our community, and we trust that our efforts will bring glory to Him and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve,” McCollum said.
“As a woman in business, you may face unique challenges and sacrifices but remember that your worth and identity extend far beyond your career accomplishments. You have a purpose and calling that goes beyond the boardroom or office. Don’t be afraid to take risks and follow God’s leading, even if it means pivoting from a successful career to pursue a ministry or passion that sets your soul on fire. Your skills and experience are transferable, and your influence can be a powerful force for good in the world. Embrace your season, trust in God’s plan, and know that your impact will be felt for eternity.”
McCollum said she has a wonderful circle of not only family but of friends who have inspired her.
“My desire for serving others was shaped from a young age by my parents’ examples. My mom was always helping those in need, whether it was bringing food to a neighbor or giving a ride to someone who needed it. She even took care of many of our relatives, ensuring they never had to go into a nursing home. My dad, too, has always had a special place in his heart for those without homes, regularly serving and bringing essential items to those in need like the tent cities in Huntsville. Growing up surrounded by their selflessness and compassion instilled in me a deep desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and I’m grateful for the legacy of love and service they’ve passed down to me,” she continued.
“I’m deeply grateful for the incredible team at Marshall County Homeless Ministries, particularly Samantha, Cynthia, Tiffany, Christy, and Shirley, who work tirelessly to make a difference in our community. Our compassionate board of directors, who share our heart and vision, has also been instrumental in our success. We’re thankful for the local church, which opened its doors to those in need, providing us with an opportunity to serve. Additionally, we’re grateful for our generous donors, whose financial support enables us to continue our mission of serving the homeless and vulnerable populations. I’m honored to work alongside such dedicated individuals who are passionate about serving others. As a successful businesswoman, I’ve learned that having a supportive tribe is crucial. I’m blessed to have wavering, supportive loved ones, awesome friends, some of the best employees on earth, and amazing kids who have been my rock throughout this journey. And then there’s my nanny and amazing friend, Miss Paula, who has been my guardian angel for 17 years. She’s not only cared for my children and kept our home running smoothly, but she’s also ensured that I always had clean clothes to wear - even when I probably didn’t deserve it! Her love, support, and sense of humor have kept me going, and I’m humbled by the incredible people who have my back. Transitioning from a career-focused mindset to a ministry-focused one has been a unique journey, but one I’ve embraced wholeheartedly.
“As I’ve shifted my attention to serving others through Marshall County Homeless Ministries, I’ve had to let go of some things that were once central to my life. But with my son preparing to take over my remaining hearing location in Decatur after passing his state boards later this month, I’m confident that the timing is divine. I don’t regret for a moment the career accomplishments I’ve left behind; instead, I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue the Lord’s calling on my life and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.”
Marshall County Homeless Ministries began in 2012, with McCollum being involved since 2020 and transitioning into her new position this past spring.
McCollum has five children; Gage, Lyric, Riley, Aspen and Olivia and is a special aunt of “one cool kid,” Sam D. Teal.
Room in the Inn is located at 640 Mobbs Hill Road in Union Grove.
For more information on Room in the Inn, a program of Marshall County Homeless Ministries, contact (256) 486-3398 or roomintheinnalabama.com.
