Clark's Promise aims to help Raleigh homeless

Clark Grew had a heart for the homeless, his family said. But it was the delivery of a life insurance check that turned his family's pain into purpose.

"He gave us the check, and our immediate reaction was, 'We don't want this. This is awful. This is Clark's money. This is not our money,'" said Clark's father, Rob Grew. "Then, we moved fairly quickly to, what would Clark do with it?"

Rob Grew and his wife, Linda, quickly realized Clark would help others.

The life insurance money helped to start Clark's Promise, an organization that addresses the needs of the homeless.

The organization funds Amanda Renfroe's position as a homeless engagement specialist with SouthLight Health Care in downtown Raleigh.

"(My job is) to go out into the community and engage with people before they get into trouble and build relationships," said Renfroe. "I just listen to their stories and have compassion for them and usually just figure out from an initial meeting."

The Grew said their son would be delighted to see compassion put into action.

"He just cared about the less fortunate at an early age," said Rob Grew.

"He would be humbled by it. He would be pleased. He would be very pleased," Rob and Linda Grew agreed.

The Grews will host an art show and sale at their home Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit Clark's Promise.