Rainbow Community Center, Inc

Description

In September 2001, Pastor Lett and her ministry established the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter to provide emergency shelter, but due to the overwhelming number of individuals needing assistance, a transitional shelter was also established. The church remodeled classrooms into bedrooms, installing showers and emergency safety equipment and began to house 25 to 30 women and children. Two residential home sites were leased for men, each accommodating 10 men and one roll-a-way cot.

During the first two years of the shelter operation, the facility began to reach capacity levels and emergency mats were offered to individuals for shelter in the church sanctuary, but soon had to turn individuals away due to lack of space.

The Garden of Gethsemane Shelter goal is to continue to support individuals experiencing homelessness to reestablish self-sufficiency in a stable residential setting. In addition to providing the basic needs of; emergency shelter, transitional shelter, meals, medical transportation, clothing, personal care items, and access to shower and laundry services, the shelter provides life skills training, connections to community, employment, and educational resources.

The Shelter programs include a 30-day Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing (6 mo. - 2 years) for families and individuals. The Shelter also offers re-entry shelter for non-violent offenders released from correctional institutions.