Denver Rescue Mission’s Family Services incorporates four transformative programs focused on helping homeless working families, seniors and refugees achieve a life of self-sufficiency. In addition to Mission staff, local congregations and organizations help guide participants toward program goals and are a vital resource of Family Services.
- STAR Transitional Program
Homeless working families are often forced to take shelter wherever they can, resulting in humiliating and even dangerous situations. At The Crossing, families in our STAR Transitional Program are given an opportunity to experience affordable transitional housing in a clean and safe community setting. Our dedicated staff works to help STAR Transitional Program participants achieve self-sufficiency and permanent housing through life skills, career development and computer skills workshops; counseling; Bible study; and frequent meetings with a designated STAR Transitional Program case manager. This program stipulates that one adult per household must have an income of at least $500 per month and emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility by requiring residents to pay a portion of their housing, utility and program fees. Participants also wishing to obtain their GED can be matched with a tutor, and will only be responsible for half the cost of GED testing. Participation in the program is between six months and two years.
- Family and Senior Homeless Initiative (FSHI)
The Family and Senior Homeless Initiative is Mayor Hickenlooper’s call to the faith community for 1,000 congregations to embrace and mentor 1,000 homeless families and seniors as part of the city’s ten year plan to end homelessness. Mentor teams from local congregations are paired with FSHI participants and provide first month’s rent and deposit, as well as mentoring, with the end goal of achieving self-sufficiency and sustainable permanent housing. Throughout a minimum of seven meetings, mentor teams help families attain stability by addressing budgeting and finances, employment and academic goals, and relationship issues. Since its inception in 2005, 290 congregations have helped over 740 needy families achieve the program goal. To learn more about this program, or to become a FSHI mentor, please visit www.fshi.org.
- Family Refugee Services (FRS)
In partnership with Lutheran Family Services, FRS helps refugee families with limited relational and material support adjust to life in the United States. In order for refugees to qualify for eight months of housing assistance, FRS interns at Denver Rescue Mission recruit mentor teams who provide clients with basic needs, community orientation, employment and financial skills, and social and emotional support. Bilingual assistance is also provided if necessary. FRS works with refugees from all over the world, including Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Iraq.
- Family Rescue Ministries (FRM)
FRM helps working families who are homeless secure stable housing by funding first month’s rent and deposit in a long-term housing solution, as well as pairs them with mentor teams that help guide them toward self-sufficiency.