FAQs
Your Inquiries Answered
If I make a donation, what will the money be used for?
Donations will go towards operating expenses, programming expenses and capital needed to run the Mercy Mission House Emergency Shelter. On average, it costs $25,000 a month with limited staff to operate the shelter.
How many people do you serve at the Mercy Mission House Emergency Shelter?
Our shelter has helped over 500 people since opening in 2022. We typically have anywhere from 30-35 residents at a time.
We have 14 male beds, 12 female beds, 3 family rooms and the ability to adjust as needs change.
What agencies are located at the on the agency campus?
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Alpha Community Center
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Holy Angels Soup Kitchen
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Journey4Self Counseling Services Weekly
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Community of Hope Church
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The Mercy Mission House Emergency Shelter
Other agencies will offer services at the new facility but will not be located on site.
What impact does your organization have on the community?
We provide the basic human right of shelter to our brothers and sisters who are currently unsheltered for any reason.
In 2023, 1 out of 4 residents moved into their own apartment. 16% of residents were reunited with family and 21% were referred to other agencies such as inpatient mental health facilities, senior living, or recovery housing. We helped 32 children in 2023.
We help these men, women and children on their journey towards stabilization, steady income and independence.
How many clients are from Shelby County Ohio?
Since opening in 2022, 67% of clients served have been from Shelby County. We put a priority on Shelby County residents.
It is important to know that for years, Shelby County has sent our residents to neighboring counties who have stepped up to help our unsheltered brothers and sisters. While we place a priority on Shelby County residents, if we have space available, we will take referrals from neighboring counties and shelters who need assistance.
How are you funded?
There are many misconceptions about our funding. We do not get paid by the number of people in shelter. We got awarded our first federal grant which is $24.500 per year. We get $80,000 in allocations from the Shelby County United Way which is a blessing for our budget. We rely on corporate, individual and church donations in order to continue our mission.
Are you taking donations of items?
Yes, however we cannot take clothing or bedding. Please consider donating those items to FISH. We do have an Amazon wish list with items needed.
What should I do if I see someone in need or know of someone who needs help?
Call 937-815-1777.
How is The Mercy Mission House Emergency Shelter different than other area shelters?
We are a low-barrier, emergency shelter. That means the only individuals that are not allowed to stay overnight in the shelter are registered sex-offenders. We have many clients that are struggling with mental health needs and some with substance misuse.
As an emergency shelter, we work to stabilize our clients and have them participate in a 30-90 day program. The average length of stay varies from 50-80 days.
Do you allow substance use?
No. Our campus is alcohol and substance use free. We do not allow any alcohol or drugs on campus. We work with clients to refer them to programs to assist in substance misuse recovery. Some of our residents are actively working to overcome substance misuse and if any drugs or alcohol are found on campus, the client is removed from shelter. Once a client is removed from shelter, they are not allowed to return to shelter for 30 days. We have partnered with the Sherriff’s Office to have random sweeps with the drug dog at our campus.
How is resident medication handled?
We are viewed as a caregiver. Think about how this would be done at home with a caregiver. We lock up all medications and then we put the medications in a container following the prescription instructions on the bottle. Residents are called to the pass out window. The resident is ultimately responsible for taking medications and must sign a sheet of paper every time medications are taken. At any time, residents can request a medication count under the supervision of the shelter Director and another staff member.
Do you still operate a warming center?
Yes. The warming center is open from December 1 - March 1 each year. For those who need a place to sleep overnight, we have cots available. However, we encourage everyone to register and join our resident program and work towards the path of stabilization.
What is the goal of the resident program?
The resident program looks different for each individual. The goal is stabilization. Stabilization might include getting all needed documentation, forms of identification; mental health assessments and connections to services and medication if needed; substance misuse recovery through partnerships with area agencies. The goal of the resident program is to help our residents reach a state of life with consistent income, ongoing connections to needed services and ultimately, a permanent place to stay whether that be their own place or reunification with family or friends.