Mission FAQ:
1. How long has the Mission been in Bay City?
Founded in 2005, the Rescue Mission first served homeless women and children. Since then the Mission has expanded to a total of 74 emergency shelter beds to also serve homeless men and intact families in their time of need. Good Samaritan is the largest homeless provider in Bay County.
2. What communities are served?
Clients primarily come from the Bay Area, however there are no geographic restrictions and a few people are referred from Northern Michigan each year.
3. What is the purpose of the Rescue Mission?
The Mission is a channel of Christian charity through which temporary shelter, meals, clothing, and discipleship are provided.
4. Who is helped by the Mission?
The Mission serves men, women, and children from all walks of life. The recovering substance abuser can find assistance for their addiction; temporary shelter is provided for the single parent in their time of crisis; and seniors in need of assisted living or adult daycare will appreciate the services of Community Village, a division of the City Rescue Mission.
5. How are people referred to the Mission?
The Department of Human Services, churches, community agencies, police, area businesses, and individuals frequently make referrals. Prospective clients are encouraged to visit the warm, clean facilities themselves, and may contact the Mission by telephone.
6. How are people helped?
In addition to temporary shelter, meals, and clothing, the Mission provides one-on-one assistance. Women staff members are trained to give personal attention to female clients who often come out of traumatic situations. Likewise men find a male staff member interested in offering Christian counsel. The program is tailored to the individual. For some it may be assistance in finding a home or apartment and for others the yearlong Christian Discipleship Program may provide the beginning of a new life.
7. Who provides the service?
A well-trained staff provides the core of assistance. Staff are professionally trained and / or personally experienced. Some have degrees in social work, theology, or education. Pastors and volunteers supplement staff efforts.
8. Who pays the bills?
Charitable donations from individuals, churches, civic groups, foundations, and businesses provide money for operating expenses. All gifts are tax-deductible, and subject to an annual, independent, audit by a certified public accountant.
9. Who governs the Rescue Mission?
The City Rescue Mission of Saginaw, Inc. is an autonomous Michigan nonprofit corporation. The fourteen-member Board of Directors are volunteers who are selected to represent a variety of denominational and vocational perspectives. The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission also receives guidance from its twelve member advisory board.
10. Does the Mission provide equal opportunity for clients?
The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission has policy of non-discrimination. Clients are accepted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, or physical handicaps.
