. >> reporter: and all were brought together by this man -- pastor tony smith.the sermon at way of god church in atlanta. when he saw his congregation fall on hard times, he knew he had to live by the words he preached. >> when the economy fail, people found themselves not able to get jobs and find places to stay and just needed a boost in some way to help them out. >> reporter: help is an understatement. pastor smith literally shelters his flock. he purchased a home for members to live in at no cost, while they struggle to get back on their feet. members like dexter thompson. >> i was in the military. i got out and, you know, i started getting into drugs and alcohol and, you know, all those type of things. so one day i just got sick of that lifestyle that i had and i just wanted to change what i was doing. >> reporter: with the help of his new support group, this brotherhood, thompson did change. >> i actually got hired on full time as an electrician. i also have another job where i work at home. i'm able to get some extra hours in so i can make some extra mone