About First Fruit Ministries
Our mission
At First Fruit Ministries, we live out God's call to “love thy neighbor” by serving those at the intersection of homelessness and human trafficking through our supportive housing and outreach programs.
Tonight, over 250 people will sleep on the streets of New Hanover County—many at risk of exploitation. Challenges like substance use, past trauma, medical burdens, and financial hardship make these individuals particularly vulnerable for commercial sex traffickers.
We're committed to breaking toxic cycles, and instead building healthy, safe, and loving spaces that offer hope and protection to our city’s most vulnerable. Through supportive outreach and case management services, residential programs and assistance, and comprehensive medical and food support, we help people meet their critical needs—alleviating homelessness while preventing human trafficking.
Our story
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1998: Rick begins feeding runaway children in Wilmington, which quickly grows into serving sex workers, gang members, and the homeless—meeting people where they are with compassion and hope.
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2000: Rick and Lee Anna marry and invite their first resident into their home, laying the foundation for First Fruit Ministries. With hearts full of faith, they officially establish it as a nonprofit.
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2005: After years of growth, First Fruit doubles its capacity by renovating the Vance Street property—opening its doors to even more neighbors in need.
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2015: The Outreach Center becomes a reality, offering showers, a laundromat, and a medical clinic—restoring dignity and meeting essential needs.
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2016: Street Outreach expands to include medical care, thanks to a partnership with MedNorth Health Center. Together, they bring wound care, disease testing, and hope directly into homeless camps.
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2018: When Hurricane Florence devastates the region, First Fruit steps in—rehousing over 300 displaced households and rebuilding its Outreach Center stronger than before.
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2020: In the midst of the pandemic, First Fruit opens the 5.11 House, providing 8 beds for human trafficking survivors and creating safe havens for men, families, and those in active addiction.
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2022: With a heart for moms, the Food Pantry adds a special day offering diapers, wipes, and formula. The Outreach Center expands to serve women with care and compassion.
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2023: First Fruit celebrates 25 years of loving and serving neighbors—growing from humble street outreach into a network for hope.
