still moving forward...

Mental Health Therapy

We are still trying out different approaches to “friend building” in the Day Center to leverage the trust of a familiar face to having conversations about help with the emotions and crippling mental struggles. It is taking longer to get staff trained and develop a consistent schedule than I had hoped, but we continue to move forward. This week staff helped one lady access her prescriptions, and made appointments to take two guests for a mental health intake interview. Our ability to share Jesus with guests debilitated by mental health issues is limited. I look forward to the day when we can have an honest spiritual conversation with a guest who is in counseling, receiving medication, and able to focus on the wonderful message we want to share.

Life is Precious and Short

Back in 2018 when the Mission worked with the City to start a sanctioned homeless camp, we encountered a gentleman in the camp that I will call “Joe.” He was a kind soul who struggled with addiction, homelessness, and a past in a gang on the East Coast. He was estranged from his family but did communi cate from time to time. He had been involved with church as a child, but had walked away. During periods of sobriety he would spend more time at the Mission. We befriended him and even gave him projects to accomplish. But he would fall away and wind up back in the camp. I lost track of him in 2021. About six months ago he reappeared, staying in our shelter. Apparently he had spent over a year on the East Coast taking care of his mother as her health failed and she eventually died. Joe was invited to enter the Camp Mercy Tiny House program. He claimed to have rekindled his relationship with Jesus and attended Sunday services at the Mission. After about six weeks he was given an opportunity to hire on as staff, working day room security. There were a few times when the “old self” would surface, but he continued to accept guidance and build his relationship with Jesus. Then one mourning he did not show for his shift. A staff member went to his Tiny House and found him deceased; he had died in his sleep. It was a devastating blow to all of us, and a stark reminder that our time in this world is not guaranteed. As we were morning his loss, another staff member offered the following: “Look folks, he didn’t die under a blue tarp somewhere; he was warm, at peace, had a relationship with Jesus and was surrounded by people who cared for him. Maybe that is the role God had for the Mission?” That really resonated with me. We have had at least three other people who were associated with the Mission pass on in the last eighteen months. In Joe’s case we knew that he had faith in Jesus. In the other cases, they had heard the message of hope and our prayer has been that the seeds planted had born unseen fruit. I have reflected recently on the reality that we can get our eyes “off the target” by focusing too much on how we are impacting guests and clients physically and miss the ultimate role for this Christian organization – preparing souls to meet Jesus.

Paying it forward

Several times a day, but especially first thing in the morning before I start my devotions, I bring up the program on my phone that allows me access to the security camera system to see what’s going on outside and inside the Mission facilities. While it is true that many will take what is given to them without giving back, it is not true for all. I have the privilege to watch as guests participate in converting the Mission from shelter mode to dining mode by: cleaning the toilets and bathrooms, wiping down the sleeping mats with disinfectant, sweeping and mopping the floors, taking out the trash, setting up the tables and chairs, serving coffee, etc. I am touched by a lady who is unable to stand for prolonged periods but gives back by sitting near a table spraying the mats with disinfectant while others wipe them down and put them away. This is not a condition to receive service, they want to help maintain the environment that keeps them warm and dry at night. Despite the circumstances they find themselves in, they have not lost their dignity and self-respect.

Meals in one year

85,884 Shelter bed nights in one year

19,031

Showers in one year

4,842 loads of laundry in one year

12,402 church attendance in one year

668

How do donors help?

Alex’s wife died 4 years ago leaving Alex with a mountain of medical bills. He and his five boys live in a trailer. The Mission has been able to help Alex by providing food and other household needs. He works as a truck driver, while going to online school for his nursing degree and has recently graduated. The boys are doing well, and Alex has leaned on his faith and church, along with the Mission’s support, to get through the tough times.

Donors provided Alex and his family with the help and love they needed through a difficult time in life.

Your spirit of generosity allows the Mission to offer the physical and spiritual support for individuals to get back on their feet.

If you would like to partner with us, please consider a gift of any amount by donating at ougm.org/donate or use the QR code. Thank you.

Did you know?

10-25% of the homeless have companion animals

Numerous studies have shed light on the transformative impact that pets have on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Several findings have revealed that these loyal animal companions are credited with saving lives and providing a renewed sense of purpose. For many homeless individuals, their pets serve as a catalyst for positive change, aiding them in overcoming addiction and giving them a reason to live.

Other benefits of a pet include a decrease in feelings of loneliness and depression. Having a pet often encourages a homeless individual to engage in social interactions, whether it’s through connecting with fellow pet owners or engaging with a supportive organization that recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond. At the Mission, if animals are well-mannered and cared for, they are welcome.

Same Kind of Different as Me (For Kids) is a remarkable story by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This is a heartwarming book that every child should have on their bookshelf. This enchanting story follows the journey of two unlikely friends - a wealthy man named Ron Hall and a homeless man named Denver Moore. As the story unfolds, children will witness the incredible power of compassion and understand how kindness can transform lives.

This beautifully illustrated book, by Denver himself, prompts young readers to think about the world around them and how they can make a difference. It gently encourages them to consider the needs of others and find ways to extend a helping hand. Through the story of Denver and Ron, children will learn that even a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading joy and changing lives.

Not only is this a delightful read, but there is also an adult version of the book, which reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list with more than one million copies in print.

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