Rhonda Willingham, widely known as the "Queen of Mill City," has transformed a desolate patch of land into a vital hub of assistance and dignity. On cold Saturday mornings, dozens gather across the street, awaiting entry into what they call “Deliverance Alley.” This location is the site of regular distributions of food, clothing, and hygiene supplies for adults and children facing hardship.

The Genesis of Deliverance Alley

A Personal Journey Inspires Community Service

Willingham, 69, founded her nonprofit, Making It Count Inc., approximately 18 years ago. Her motivation stems from her own past, having overcome drug addiction and an 18-year period of homelessness. She began her charitable work on the very lot she now owns, a place where she experienced what she describes as divine intervention.

Nearly 19 years ago, Willingham stated a divine voice instructed her to abandon her addiction lifestyle while she was living in an abandoned house near the current lot. She subsequently stopped using drugs and formed a pact with Rodney Willingham, who was also homeless at the time; they are now married.

“I made a vow to God when He delivered me to this property that I would give back and I would do what needed to be done for the people,” Willingham explained. Shortly thereafter, she commenced her service by opening a boarding home and feeding the homeless.

The Saturday Ritual in Mill City

Creating a Place of Care and Dignity

Willingham, recognized by her signature royal purple nails and custom shirt, drives her pickup through the Mill City neighborhood to the vacant lot. Week after week, she and an extensive team of volunteers work to establish a place of care. On Saturday morning, December 6, 2025, Willingham began her routine by setting up a speaker for gospel music, a check-in table, and supplies.

Items distributed included hand sanitizer, prayer cards, condoms, and a miniature grocery cart stocked with fruity drink mix packets. Her sincerity and dedication have successfully attracted support from other charitable organizations to join the effort.

Services Provided at the Lot

Dozens of individuals wait in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store before being invited onto the lot, which Willingham purchased in 2016. At “Deliverance Alley,” those experiencing cold weather receive clothing, the hungry are served catered William’s Chicken, and hygiene supplies, including a portable shower, are offered.

Willingham stated, “I know what it feels like to not have what you need when you really need it.” Volunteers quickly assisted a 65-year-old Mill City resident, recently discharged from the hospital that morning, by providing him with a chair, a sweatshirt, gloves, and a beanie hat.

Making It Count Inc. Grows Its Reach

Volunteer Dedication and Expansion

Willingham’s T-shirt prominently features the logo for Making It Count Inc., with the word “QUEEN” displayed across the back. Volunteers like 25-year-old Daniel White, who started helping after meeting Willingham last August, consistently assist with Saturday distributions.

Volunteers often hear Willingham’s powerful story of recovery from addiction and homelessness. Jasmyn Beasley, 33, began volunteering in 2023 when her family’s nonprofit partnered with Making It Count Inc. Beasley noted that Willingham’s consistency in giving back is why the community views her as “the Queen.”

Making It Count Inc. was formally established as a nonprofit in 2018, utilizing funds Willingham inherited from her father to buy the Metropolitan Avenue lot in 2016. In addition to Saturday aid, the group hosts a “community wash day” at a local laundromat every Wednesday.

With the help of her husband, the organization has expanded its services beyond direct aid to include mowing lawns and painting houses throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.