Pathway to Housing - New Unincorporated Bridge to Hope Program

The Mission’s Bridge to Hope has proven to be a successful program that provides a safe living environment for unhoused individuals. This program also provides an alternative to the Navigation Center. Both programs are essential in helping people build a base and move toward future independence. While the Navigation Center provides a dormitory-type setting, the Bridge houses accommodate six to eight residents who live in a group-home setting.

The goal of the Bridge to Hope program is to provide permanent and stable housing for participants. It offers funding for application fees, security deposits, and the first month’s rent. Recently, the Mission was excited to expand the Bridge to Hope program from city locations in Merced and Los Banos to unincorporated areas. Unsheltered persons who are in our unincorporated areas of Merced County now have access to services that provide temporary shelter and permanent housing opportunities.

Case management services are provided to participants while in the shelter to prepare them for housing readiness. Service Coordinators help participants acquire necessary documents, obtain employment, recovery and mental health services referrals, and transportation services. Through ECM (Enhanced Care Management), they are guided to help prevent further homelessness. On-site House Monitors supervise and support participants to ensure safety and wellness. Along with some food supplementation, necessities like toiletries are provided free of cost.

Despite the negative stigma associated with the unsheltered population, landlord engagement, developed through the Distributive Bridge Housing program in the cities of Merced and Los Banos, has helped to open the eyes and hearts of our community and to expand this program into unincorporated areas.

We continue to search for more rentals in unincorporated areas to continue expanding the program to provide additional shelter and affordable housing for our participants and build the Bridge to Hope!

Read stories from the Unincorporated Bridge to Hope program below.

NATHANIEL’S STORY

I came to the Rescue Mission’s Unincorporated Bridge program in the middle of February. When I came into the program, I was not sure which route I wanted to take. Do I want to get a job? Or do I want to go to school?

One of the first things that I did was get all my documentation--ID, Social Security Card and my birth certificate. I was also able to get food stamps and an Alliance card.

Shortly after, I chose to apply for JobCorps, a free program for youth from 16–24 years old where you can choose between many career paths or trades. I have been accepted and have enrolled to take Electrical, Carpentry, and Landscaping with high hopes of being able to take Welding. My first day at JobCorps Inland Empire is scheduled for September 3rd of this year.

I am very thankful for all the help I have received while being in this program. I have been around the Rescue Mission for many years, and I have seen all the work that everybody in the organization does for its participants. To be on the receiving end of it has been an amazing experience.

GREGORY’S STORY

I am a participant in the Unincorporated Bridge Program. Before coming to the Rescue Mission, I was homeless on the streets in Merced. Since coming into the Rescue Mission, I have been able to obtain all my documentation and have been given rides to appointments and job interviews.

I have now gained employment, and I plan to get my own apartment. Two goals that I have for myself are to continue to work on staying sober and to pursue my passion for music.

At the Rescue Mission, I have received nothing but great advice. Their continuous encouragement has kept me moving forward with applying for employment when the job hunt was taking its toll.

I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to have a second chance at life. Thank you for all your help.

RUDOLFO’S STORY

I was dealing with homelessness when I decided to get help. I decided to enter the Rescue Mission’s Unincorporated Bridge Program.

Since coming into this program, I have been able to get all my documentation ready so I can get work and find a place live when I’m ready. I have been on a strict plan with Child Protective Services to reunify with my kids. I have attended all the parenting classes I needed to complete. I am now in the process of reunifying with my two beautiful children.

Recently, I began working for the Pathway to Wellness Program with the Rescue Mission. I work with Mental Health clients who are struggling in this time of their lives in a similar way that I am. It’s a very humbling experience to work with these individuals, and it’s a position that I am happy to have. I strive to offer them the encouragement they need, just like me, so they can have the motivation to adjust to being productive members of society.

I am thankful for my support group which has stood by my side during this difficult time in my life. If it wasn’t for the Rescue Mission, I would not be in the position I currently am in. I would be in a much worse position in my life. Thank you to everyone, and I am forever grateful.

ROMAN & NEYA’S STORY

Before entering Merced Rescue Mission’s Unincorporated Bridge program, we were homeless. Our children had been removed from our care a little over a year before. As a result, we lost our Section 8 benefits which caused us to fall behind in rent. Ultimately, we had to leave our home.

We stayed under the Childs Avenue Bridge. It was not easy. We were constantly fighting hunger, thirst, and being dirty. We struggled with drinking. A strain was put on our marriage. Trying to comply with CPS visitations and everything else we needed to do was even harder while being homeless and living under the bridge.

We grew tired of our lifestyle and wanted to turn ourselves around, not only for ourselves but also for our children. It all started by reaching out for help. We realized that we could not do it on our own, and time was going by faster and faster.

Since coming to the Rescue Mission’s Unincorporated Bridge program, we have been able to live normally, and we have all our basic needs met. We have a place to shower, food to eat, a safe environment, and a roof over our heads. Just the opportunity we needed. We have also been provided with transportation services to get us to and from all our CPS visitations and court appearances. Everything we have been doing is to help speed up the process to get our children back into our lives.

We are thankful to the Rescue Mission for giving us this opportunity and for being there for guidance. If we had known that such a program existed a year ago, we would have come to the Rescue Mission’s Bridge to Hope program a lot sooner.

Yosemite with Hope for Men and Women

This spring, the Hope for Men and Women program went on a field trip to visit Yosemite National Park. Most of the participants had never seen Yosemite with its beautiful mountains and waterfalls. We shared a time of devotion at Glacier Point overlooking God’s incredible creation. We hiked to waterfalls and enjoyed a picnic in the park. The following are responses from our men and women.

“Sitting in silence, hearing the roaring and rushing winds of the waterfalls and mountains”

“God’s presence evident in everything we saw, heard and touched.”

“Grateful that God had us in mind when He created this beautiful earth, what a gift.”

“So grateful for this experience.”

“Amazing and heartfelt blessing. A privilege that continues to resonate with me in a way that reminds me daily of just how good God is all the time.”

“Eye-opening experience visiting Glacier Point. The view of the valley floor took my breath away. I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of the park with others.”

“I had one of the best times of my life. I have never been to Yosemite before, and it was wonderful.”

“Yosemite was a great experience. It was beautiful and relaxing. It was a beautiful sight to see and experience. I had a great time.”

“My experience at Yosemite National Park was awesome!”

“Yosemite was a majestic experience. It brought us closer to nature and reminded us of God’s beautiful creation.”

“The views were amazing. I enjoyed the fellowship with everyone on the trip.”

“Heading up to Yosemite National Park was such a breathtaking experience. It made me feel joyful as I looked at all the beautiful scenery God created. I definitely could feel the presence of the Lord in His creation.”

Education, A Building Block for Future Success

The goal of the Mission’s faith-based Life Transformation program is to offer men and women an opportunity to encounter Christ and find purpose in their lives. It is also our desire to prepare men and women for a bright future by providing opportunities, knowledge, and skills that will lead to positive employment.

Recently, Merced College hosted our Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs for a wonderful visit to the campus. After a great pizza lunch, our hosts presented the opportunities for enrollment and the various paths that could be followed in the pursuit of potential careers and jobs. In addition to academic fields of study, there were many opportunities in trades such as automotive technology, electrical, HVAC, welding, and agricultural studies. Health and public safety, business, and nursing were also areas of interest. Our visit to the Merced College campus gave many of our participants a greater vision of the possibilities that await them. Some of our participants enrolled and have been pursuing degrees or certifications that will enable them to become gainfully employed.

As several of our participants share their experiences pursuing studies and skill development, we hope that you will share the joy of seeing your prayers and investment in the Mission’s programs bearing fruit.

Jason’s College Experience

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the spring semester at the Merced Junior College. While attending college, I discovered many paths of study to qualify for different jobs that could help me be successful in the future. Attending college has also motivated me to not give up and realize that it’s never too late to continue my education.

Brandon’s Experience

I would like to thank the Rescue Mission for the opportunity to take classes at Merced College. I have been able to escalate my education as a mechanic in automotive repair. Last semester, I was able to complete all the requirements. I also received employment in peer navigating for Rising Scholars, which helps prison inmates complete their college courses. I am continuing summer classes, and then I am taking welding classes in the fall semester as a full-time student. The help I have received has made it possible to make great strides in achieving my goals. I would like to thank the Mission for its support, both now and as I move into the future.

Anthony’s Experience

After returning to the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Hope for Men program, I was grateful for the opportunity to return to college. This is something that I have wanted for a long time, and I was ecstatic when I was told that I could pursue furthering my education. I have been taking college classes since I was a sophomore in high school, but this was the first time that I would be taking classes sober.

As soon as I was given the opportunity to attend Merced Junior College, I signed up for 15 units. I took classes in English, Early Childhood Development, History, Communications, and Psychology. I was a bit intimidated at first, but I quickly got into the swing of things, and, before I knew it, I was excelling in my classes. These were all classes that I have taken in the past, but I was attempting to fill up some of my idle time with refresher classes. I quickly realized that there was no need to be nervous or intimidated because the Hope for Men program had already given me the tools that I needed to succeed.

I have now completed my classes at Merced Junior College, and I have decided to make a career change. I am currently enrolled in the CCAPP program and am extremely happy to say that I have almost completed my first module with them! I can honestly say that without all my peers at the Merced County Rescue Mission, I might not have been able to overcome all my struggles and once again be successful. I appreciate all of you and I thank everyone who was by my side to support me throughout this journey.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

By Dr. Bruce Metcalf, CEO, Merced Rescue Mission

If you were to ask a room full of first graders what they want to be when they grow up, not one of them would answer, “I want to grow up to be homeless.” So, what are the root causes of homelessness? Let me share some of these causes with you.

UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS - ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS

Housing Shortage: During the past 50 years, growth in available housing units has not kept pace with population growth.

High Housing Costs: The cost of purchasing a home or renting has skyrocketed, which has priced many people out of the market.

Mental Health Issues: In the 1980’s mental health institutions were closed without a plan for alternative mental health care. Many people found themselves without a place to live and were forced into homelessness.

Broken Relationships: As a result of broken relationships, such as divorce or alienation from family, many people have found themselves homeless.

Loss of Employment: When people have lost jobs, they no longer have been able to make mortgage or rental payments.

Addiction Issues: Drug and alcohol abuse has caused people to lose jobs and relationships. In addition, the loss of jobs and broken relationships have themselves been a cause for people to use drugs and alcohol as they try to drown their pain and feelings of hopelessness.

These are some of the root causes of homelessness. The causes are diverse, and there are no simple answers. To successfully address the issue of homelessness and make positive headway towards solving this issue requires a collaborative effort between the government (local, state, and federal), the religious community, social agencies and organizations, and individuals experiencing homelessness. People experiencing homelessness must be included in the process of finding solutions because any solution personally affects them. The issue of homelessness will not go away by simply ignoring it. We must work together by investing time, money, and other resources.

Merced County is working hard to address the issue of homelessness. The County and cities within the County have joined forces with churches, social organizations, and people experiencing homelessness to make a difference. Together we are on course to reduce the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness by more than half in the next two years. Within four years we are hoping to reach a Net Zero* of people experiencing homelessness.

*Net Zero is achieved when there is enough housing for every person experiencing homelessness. As new people become homeless, programs already in place will help in moving them toward housing.

Click here to learn about our programs at the Mission.

Hydration Essential in Hot Weather

During the heat waves that we have been experiencing, we are all aware of how important it is to stay hydrated. For people living on the streets without access to air-conditioning, it is critical that they have water. Water is distributed every day as our staff goes out into the community to meet with people who are unhoused. Recently, Interact students from the high school chapter of Rotary helped distribute water to people who were in desperate need. Many thanks to all the Interact students who participated in this effort!

Challenge grant for potential Hope Respite Care Expansion

Hope Respite Care is a 32-bed facility for people experiencing homelessness when they are discharged from the hospital or referred by a medical facility for temporary housing during a period of recovery. Hope Respite Care has been operating at near capacity for some time. A person can receive services for up to 90 days based on approvals. Beyond that, while great efforts are made to help the person find permanent housing, housing is often unavailable, and some participants require extended post-hospitalization help.

To accommodate this need, many of the beds in Hope Respite Care have been used to provide extended stays. The result has been that beds are not always available for people when they are discharged from the hospital.

Central California Alliance for Health, our Medi-Cal provider, has offered a challenge grant of 2.5 million dollars towards a 5 million dollar building which would allow for expanded services and 20 studio apartments for permanent supportive housing. The Mission is now seeking funding sources to match this challenge grant.

Please keep this project in your prayers.