July 2026 Newsletter

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A Continuum of Care

Bryan needed a continuation of the new life that he had begun in the State Department of Corrections. It’s called “corrections” because of the goal of rehabilitating people. They have programs for education and employment, as well as volunteers that do Bible studies.

Bryan said, “Prior to being incarcerated, I felt like the Lord pressing on me, but I didn’t acknowledge it. Then in prison all the worldly distractions were eliminated. There, I saw a Bible on the floor and felt a tug on my heart. A volunteer there was a great help with one-on-one. I was baptized in prison.”

Bryan was released to the Mission wanting similar surroundings without worldly confusion and that support his life-changing faith. A low-barrier shelter, one not requiring sobriety and chapel attendance, would have removed all the progress that he had already achieved. Bryan said, “The Mission provided a stable environment, not having to move as long as you are doing what you are supposed to. It’s a Christ-centered focus here.”

He has a continuum of care in his transition to homeless housing and goal to regain independence. After being in our Emergency Shelter for a short while, he joined the Program here to continue preparing for employment and reintegrating back into the community.

Bryan is pictured at our evening supervisor’s desk. He had the responsibility of monitoring the dormitory, restroom, and shower area. In turn, he moved from sleeping in the dormitory to a program living area, where he had a single level bed, a locker, and a shared restroom, living room, dining room, and kitchenette. There was more freedom to enter his living quarters during the day and to have a later curfew. There was a greater sense of being a part of the Mission operation and more privacy was afforded. Time was available to make appointments and look for employment.

Through a temporary employment agency, Bryan got a job at a forest products company. He wants to work to earn money, have purpose, be connected to others, and gain a sense of accomplishment. He is saving income to purchase a vehicle for greater mobility and independence. Bryan is on our waiting list to rent a Transitional Housing Program room. This is an additional step that will improve his rental history, savings, and credit score. In this on-site housing program, he will still have full access to all Mission services and staff to make the transition to independent living as trouble-free as possible.

Our three programs of Emergency Shelter, Program, and Transitional Housing are designed to provide an uninterrupted system of services to guide individuals through different phases of need. Bryan is well on his way to utilizing each program for his success.