MEN'S DIVISION
Client Services Center
Providing safe shelter has always been a key part of Haven of Rest’s efforts to help. In 2007, 64,884 nights of safe, clean lodging were provided to men, women and children who would otherwise have spent the night on the street
Haven of Rest’s 37,000 square foot Client Services Center was built in response to a need for additional facilities that would make possible a more effective ministry to the steadily growing number of homeless and disadvantaged people in greater Akron and the surrounding seven-county area. The Center contains a men’s day room, women’s day room, 100-bed men’s dormitory, and a clothing receiving and distribution area.
Men's Day Room Ministry:
The men's day room is the entry point for homeless men to begin the rehabilitation process that will lead to the stabilization and reestablishment of their lives.
As the homeless come in off the streets, they find a variety of essential services available to them, including laundry, showers, and mail pick-up. In addition, there are counseling rooms where they can meet privately with Haven of Rest staff or other social service agency workers to discuss problems and needs. Classroom space is also provided for life skills training, Bible studies, and group meetings.
Lodging Ministry:
The Client Services Center’s 100-bed men dormitory provides safe, clean lodging for homeless men who would otherwise spend their nights alone and in danger on the streets. The dormitory includes a special 10-bed section that is used by men who have secured night jobs and need a place to sleep during the day.
Clothing Receiving And Distribution:
.jpg)
Each month, Haven of Rest is the recipient of thousands of pounds of donated new and used clothing which is processed, stored, and dispensed at the Client Services Center’s receiving and distribution area. A donation drive-through is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.
In the clothing display area, hundreds of apparel items for men are available at no cost. Except for emergencies, “shopping” is by voucher only. Each voucher is good for one visit, and one visit is permitted each month.
Residential Programs
.jpg)
Haven of Rest’s residential programs are intended to help men overcome problems, like drug and alcohol addiction, that have rendered them homeless, jobless, and estranged from family, friends, and society in general.
Those seeking admission to the Rescue Mission program for men must show a sincere desire to better themselves. Once accepted, they will spend anywhere from three months to a year in a Christ-centered, structured, and goal-oriented environment designed to help give them a future that overshadows their past.
Residential program activities include regular work assignments, life-application Bible studies, living skills, personal care classes, and wholesome recreation. All participants are required to attend Haven of Rest’s Innovative Learning Clinic and complete a series of courses designed to make them more employable.
The Career Development phase of the men’s residential programs help participants develop proper job-seeking skills, find meaningful employment, and keep a job once they get it.
Through its AfterCare ministry, Haven of Rest maintains regular contract with former residents who are once again living on their own. The objective is to offer these individuals the assistance and encouragement they need to keep their newly-established lives on track.
