Hometown Heroes Jack & Sharon McMahon
One year ago, Franklin residents Jack and Sharon McMahon were vacationing in Florida when they received a call asking if they might be interested in helping the homeless in Indianapolis. They decided to visit and try it out. One year later, they are still helping.
They developed Under the Bridge Ministries, a licensed nonprofit organization that provides basic needs, fresh drinking water, and weekly hot and nutritious meals. It is their mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus by realizing and understanding the needs of the homeless.
On any given Thursday, the McMahons serve around 140 people under a bridge at Interstate 70 and Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis. Jack, a retired minister, is currently pastoring the Trafalgar Global Methodist Church and drives a school bus for Franklin Community School Corp. Sharon is retired as well from United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700.
Serving the homeless is not a new concept for the McMahons. They were instrumental in serving a homeless shelter in Arkansas before returning to Johnson County. Jack grew up in downtown Franklin, and Sharon grew up in rural Whiteland.
They have been a couple since their teenage years, when they met at church. They have two grown daughters who live nearby with their families.
“We are doing exactly what Jesus told us to do: feed my sheep,” Jack says.
Every Thursday night, they provide a hot, home-cooked meal. Sharon does the meal preparation. They have learned that for some, it is the only hot meal they have had in a while. Sharon said biscuits and gravy and smoked sausage with green beans and potatoes have proved to be crowd-pleasers. She said she has received many comments from those partaking about how their own mothers or grandmothers made those meals for them when they were younger.
For the most part, the McMahons self-finance the Thursday night meal. Private donations and help from their congregation and others have contributed to the ever-growing needs. During winter, there is an even greater need for coats, gloves, hats, hoodies, and blankets. Jack said tarps are “like gold.” There is an ongoing need for these items, as well as tents, heavy-duty shopping bags, and toiletries.
Sharon says access to fresh water is scarce. There are no public fountains since the COVID-19 pandemic, and some resort to retrieving water from the White River and boiling it for safer usage. The McMahons bring close to 100 gallons of tap or drinking water each week. They collect empty milk jugs and fill them with tap water weekly.
The McMahons explained that the population they serve is a diverse group of people and circumstances that led to homelessness. Jack said many will tell you they are homeless because of poor lifestyle choices. Some have mental illnesses, and some are generationally homeless. One specific person they have met is 30 years old and was born under a bridge.
The reality is that this group of people has a short lifeline due to extreme weather and the lack of proper nutrition and care. The McMahons said outside contributions have affirmed that they are on the right track.
“We love this community of people,” Sharon sas.
The McMahons want to build on the ministry they have formed in whatever way God leads them. Their hope is to give hope.
For more information, email underthebridgeministries-indy@gmail.com. To financially support you can give throughVenmo to @Sharon-McMahon-24.
