Amanda Cheatwood
Feb 1, 2026
From Profit to Purpose
JL Dunahee calls himself a builder by trade. For years his hands knew how to frame walls, hang doors, and finish houses in Illinois. Rachelle, his wife, worked in a state-funded agency and spent her days helping people navigate systems that were supposed to help them. When 2020 arrived with lockdowns and vaccination mandates, the couple began asking hard questions about their future.
They tossed around the idea of starting a tiny home community for profit. The plan sounded practical and safe. Twelve people from their church were invited to a conference in Charleston, a church planting gathering, and JL made the confident statement on the drive down that God would never use them to plant a church. He laughs about that now and says he was completely wrong.
During those three days Rachelle and JL separately felt called to do exactly what JL said he would never do.
They did not understand how it would work, but they believed enough to take one step.
The difference was that the calling pointed toward the least of these. The mobile food ministry, the mobile shower ministry, and the tiny home community were laid out in what Rachelle describes as a massive download from the Lord. They did not understand how it would work, but they believed enough to take one step.
Christmas Day in Florida
The Dunahees moved to Bay County, Florida and began on Christmas Day 2022 with a hundred sandwiches. They found twelve people to serve. Rachelle remembers feeling disappointed at first, and JL remembers realizing later that twelve was exactly what they could sustain. Since that day they have served meals every week without missing a single outreach.
Today the shower trailer launches into the streets.
The second mission JL received in Charleston becomes real. Rachelle keeps saying she cannot wait to take photos in the morning.
What a Serve Night Looks Like
Salty Farm Ministries now serves meals three nights a week at three different locations. Each gathering includes the gospel, communion for those who desire it, fellowship, food, and access to the mobile shower trailer. The ministry also serves four mornings a week at additional locations, and Rachelle leads a Deep Roots gathering Bible study to support continued spiritual growth.
Word of Mouth and Trust
JL says at first they went into the woods and found people. Trust grew through consistency. Now people come because friends tell friends that Salty Farm will be there for two hours at a time, bringing light and respect.
Rachelle believes gifts and lanes matter. Not every church can do all things, and not every organization needs to. When ministries connect, needs get met across the board.
Not every church can do all things, and not every organization needs to. When ministries connect, needs get met across the board.
A Story Called Palm to Palm
One gentleman used to arrive only after the word was shared so he could grab a meal and leave. Rachelle says that was fine. Over months he began staying, asked what the Bible says about specific areas of his life, and sought discipleship from volunteers.
Two weeks after baptism he placed his medical marijuana card in an offering tray and began ministering to others. Volunteers gave him a truck instead of selling it, and the truck became a turning point. He launched a palm tree trimming business named Palm to Palm. Rachelle remembers the moment when the volunteers suggested giving the vehicle and how it kept him moving forward rather than sliding backward.
The Dunahees admit they were surface-level Christians when called. Mentoring taught them authority and how to take thoughts captive.
Spiritual Warfare Without Religious Masks
The Dunahees admit they were surface-level Christians when called. Mentoring taught them authority and how to take thoughts captive. JL nearly died from heat stroke, electrocution, and falling off roofs while building the trailer. Rachelle calls those attacks real but says God proved greater every time.
JL describes Rachelle’s mentor, John Johnson of Mr. Surf's Surf Shop, as military about protecting territory. Rachelle says she feels grateful for guidance that does not wear a religious mask but stands firm against footholds.
Homelessness Is More Than Housing
JL envisions dignified rent, jobs inside the community, small restaurants, artisan markets, animals, and apprenticeship programs. Rachelle says a house will not save a person but a community will. She keeps repeating that homelessness is not merely lacking a structure. Many people with large houses still feel homeless inside.
Homelessness is not merely lacking a structure. Many people with large houses still feel homeless inside.
Simple Kindness Begins Next Door
When asked how anyone can show kindness, JL answers that a conversation matters. Rachelle remembers a family who spoke with a homeless man for five days and the criticism they received for not helping more. Rachelle says acknowledging existence lasts endless.
JL recalls youth groups serving in line and how it softens hearts. Boldness to ask a neighbor how they are doing or share cookies creates ripples.
Looking Ahead
Land for the tiny home community remains a dream JL believes will be gifted at the right time. Families have offered to purchase land, and the couple continues standing in agreement that the door for community will open soon.
Reflection
Meeting the Dunahees at Mr. Surf's Surf Shop in Panama City Beach sparked the desire to share this blueprint with the wider Church. The christening of the shower trailer today marks a new chapter. Salty Farm Ministries stands as more than sandwiches and showers. It tells the story of builders who traded profit for purpose and discovered identity through obedience.
To learn more about Salty Farm Ministries visit saltyfarmministries.org
