Our duplex and the 5-bedroom house are
both used for family emergency shelter. These locations have a stove, refrigerator
and food supplies for the families to use. Linens are also provided. The costs
to operate these shelters are provided by Jericho Road Ministries. No emergency
shelter clients pay any program fee or rent to stay in these locations.
Families
entering these locations may stay up to 30 nights per year in these shelters.
These shelters do not provide program classes for the residents. Families
staying with us are required to adhere to specific levels of cleanliness in the
shelter and maintain basic orderliness within the units. Most of these clients
are unemployed and may or may not own a vehicle. Our staff works with these
families to provide referrals to program shelters for families outside our
area. We also determine if there is a way for them to reconnect with family
where ever they may be. Transportation to family or another shelter is provided
when resources are available.
Families
entering these shelters know in advance that they are only promised one night
at a time. This is to ensure they are performing the duties they need to while
residing in the shelter. We have had some families that have “trashed” the unit
within two or three days, leaving dirty pots and dishes throughout the unit,
allowed animals into the home, left doors and windows open (without screens),
and more. As a result, we now monitor the units daily to determine the clients
intentions and sincerity for receiving the assistance they have asked for.
Sometimes we
receive families into shelter where the parent(s) has a job and transportation.
In these cases we will allow them to stay beyond the 30 nights if they are
willing to show proof that they are saving their money in order to pay for
deposits to move into their own apartment. In these cases, the clients prepare
a financial plan in the first few days at the shelter. This agreed to by the
client and staff, along with other program matters, and they stay as long as
they are working to fulfill their program.
