SRM NEWS AND CURRENT EVENTS

 Stay tuned to this page as we head into this year for updated

information and involvement opportunities to make a

difference in our community.

Formerly Homeless Reach Out After City Ban

Current residents in homeless recovery program offer solutions to tent city campers

Colorado Springs, CO - In response to the recent decision by the City Council to pass an ordinance that bans camping in public places, Springs Rescue Mission has put into place an action plan to offer immediate services to the homeless currently living in tents throughout the city. The plan involves expanding its available bed capacity within the Mission’s New Life recovery program. The one-year residential program offers a solution to those who want to transition from life on the streets to a more permanent and positive way of living.

“Springs Rescue Mission has played a major role in a consortium of homeless service agencies, organized by Homeward Pikes Peak, to provide appropriate, high-quality programs that assist homeless individuals in moving from the despair of homelessness and substance abuse to the hope of a better-quality, self-sufficient life,” says Bob Holmes, Executive Director of Homeward Pikes Peak

To facilitate awareness, a group consisting of current residents in recovery from the Mission’s program will be visiting area homeless camp sites, along with members from the H.O.T (Homeless Outreach Team), distributing information and inviting interested men to explore the entry process. “I personally know a lot of those guys living in the tents from my recent days as a homeless individual myself,” says Dave, a current Springs Rescue Mission resident. “I just want to tell those living in tents how my life has changed in a more positive direction since I became a part of the New Life Program at the Mission. I’ve been there and know that there’s something better that’s possible.”

Lyn Harwell, Director of Programs, spoke on behalf of the Mission, “Springs Rescue Mission has no desire to offer opinions on a matter of city governance. Regardless of city regulations, the rescue mission has been, and will remain, a safe place for people and families in need of free food, clothing, and urgent care. Our long-term goal is to offer life-changing services to society's marginalized individuals ready and willing to break habits of poverty or addiction. Frequently, this takes a serious commitment of time and effort building relationships, healing long-standing wounds, and teaching self-sufficiency.

There is no doubt that our community has tremendous compassion and concern for everyone who is without a home or living on the edge of homelessness. Springs Rescue Mission has been helping those in need for 13 years. Regardless of local legislation, we purpose to be a hub and connecting point where the people of our community and local church can learn about the issues, learn how to offer real help to those in poverty or homelessness, and walk along side someone in need of honest love, help, and support.”

In addition, the Mission has expanded its hours and the number of people it serves. Currently, Springs Rescue Mission is serving more than 20,000 meals each month and housing nearly 40 men in transitional treatment.

Donations to help keep the programs going and volunteers to serve are always needed.

Springs Rescue Mission is located at: 5 W. Las Vegas St. in Colorado Springs. To learn more about Springs Rescue Mission, call (719) 632-1822 or visit the web site at: www.springsrescuemission.org.

Living With Dignity on the Streets - Springs Rescue Mission's extended hours gives more opportunities to those living on the streets

Colorado Springs, CO – The pursuit of integrity and quality interaction is the substance in which Springs Rescue Mission (SRM) incorporates in every attempt to serve the needs of the public. It's character can best be described in the way the organization embraces the needs of each individual who comes with the desire to better themselves.

Complete dignity and respect is the key attribute SRM wants to convey to everyone they extend open arms towards as they offer hope to the less fortunate of Colorado Springs. Willy is one of those who has felt humility in the offering time and time again.

Living on the streets for over a year, Willy comes to the Mission monthly in search of clothing and basic necessities to survive life in the tent he calls home. Camped far away from any activity of others who congregate in defiance, Willy lives alone as he genuinely tries to change his circumstances by searching weekly for a good paying job, and hopefully, a roof over his head someday soon. He doesn't drink or use drugs, he has just fallen on hard times through a job loss due to the economy.

“I need a steady job but work is hard to find. It's even harder when you show up for an interview with wrinkled slept in clothing. My biggest problem as I look for work is being self conscious about my appearance. The Mission's new hours have been a God send. Opening more times a week and lifting their restriction on the monthly allowance of clothing has really been a big help. I can get clean clothing and fresh hygiene items more often. I can look better on more days I search for a steady job. I feel better about my chances now”

As SRM moves in the direction of extended hours through its Direct Services, which provides free clothing, food boxes, hygiene items, and other basic needs, it has opened the door to more possibilities for people like Willy to look more presentable in appearance as they look for work and tries to integrate into society more.

“We continually want to offer more solutions to those who are honestly trying to better themselves. Were it makes sense to do so, we are always looking to incorporate new ways in all our programs to provide even more positive experiences for those who come with a need. When it comes to those who are homeless, we want to be a consistent and reliable resource they can depend on,” says Lyn Harwell, Director of Programs for SRM

Springs Rescue Mission’s Direct Services is located at: 1 W. Las Vegas St. in Colorado Springs. It's new hours of operation are as follows: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:30 pm – 3pm.Saturday from 9 am - 12 pm.

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