The Community Rescue Mission has helped many people find housing, jobs, safety and security in the hardest times of thier lives. When I first arrived at the mission I was somewhat depressed concerning my situation but I was immediately immersed in a Christ-like atmosphere of love and counseling that began to lift my spirits. It wasn’t long before I was out looking for work and attending regular chapel services with my boys in tow. Within two weeks I had found a job waiting tables at a local restaurant. I also was put in touch with DHS and through them was able to find an apartment for my boy’s and me. As I now look back on my stay at the Community Rescue Mission, I see that the counseling I received from the mission’s staff was instrumental in my journey back from homelessness. Before the mission, I hadn’t attended church like I should have but while staying there I was required to go to chapel and weekly meetings that truly helped my boys and me to see that the discipline of having to attend church had become a very positive thing in our lives. I thank God for that. He brought me back to church. I could go on and on about things that I feel the mission has helped me with but I will close with these: The kindness and caring the staff showed my family set an example to my sons and me that we can follow as we now make our way back into the world. Secondly, I was given a chance to get on my feet and shown how through the Christian Principles set out in the Bible and taught to us by Mr. Hilts the Executive Director. I again thank you from the bottom of my heart. M.T I just wanted to say that the mission has given me a place of refuge and allowed me to make a brand new start with my life. I am grateful that the location of the mission is such that I can walk if needed to many of the 12 step meetings that have been instrumental in my recovery from addiction. The staff here at the Community Rescue Mission is wonderful and so helpful. Their willingness to provide transportation to any place that we need to go is a welcomed site for so many of us arrive without a way to get around. I can also say that I truly feel safe when I am here at the mission. Safe from many of the things that once brought me much pain and grief. I now feel that I can reach the goals that I have set for myself and not be held back by my surroundings. Thank you, everyone! I can’t say enough how the mission has helped me in my recovery.
“I personally feel that I have a place of safety, here at the mission. One that allows me to be at ease and not worry about where my next meal will come from or where I will be sleeping that night. For myself, having the medical problems I do has caused me to have to use a service dog that alerts me to any impending seizures that I am going to have. The Community Rescue Mission is the only place in
K.T.
I'm just glad that i have a roof over my head when I'm homeless and out of money. I'm also grateful that i can get a free meal as well.
L.B.
The Mission has been wonderful with allowing me to stay here. Since we have been here, the Mission has helped us greatly with things such as clothing, getting medical help quickly and the Churches that come helped us with prayer. They are also greatly helpful with job contacts. The Staff here are very nice and helpful! I truelly and honestly believe that without the Missions help, my Husband, my Son and I would have had no where to turn. While being here, I have gained much hope and faith that the future will be great and being homeless is not the end of the road.
T&J.C
The Mission to me means a roof over my head, a bed and food. My car broke down on the interstate and the Van Buren Hospital brought me to another shelter. Then i found out from my friend about the Mission and I came here and since I've been here, I have my car fixed and I'm waiting October out until I get my SS check to make it home to Phoenix, Arizona. The Mission is clean and very livable. Thank you for a place to stay! I never did this before and my eyes were opened!
J.R.
My experience at the Mission has been a positive one. The disposition of all those employed here is very hospitable. The amenities provided here are unequaled in Fort Smith. I truly believe the hand of God is over this Mission.
A.N.
It has been a very rewarding experience. I am so glad that Ft. Smith has a place to offer like this. It has helped my Husband and I out a great deal. Thank you! I would recommend the Rescue Mission to anyone who is homeless. God truly is in this place.
D.N.
Before I came to the Mission, my life didn't have much meaning. I was living at my Grandmothers house in Van Buren, next to my Dad and Stepmother. There was nothing to do and no way to go anywhere and none of my family trusted me because of my drug and alcohol use and because of my lying and stealing. I was at the bottom of the pit.....and then i did one last thing to my Grandmother and it was the straw that broke the camels back, so I had to leave permanently because my family couldnt tolerate anymore.
I walked to the Van Buren Mission and stayed there for 3 days and then got a ride over here to the mission in Ft. Smith, not knowing what to expect; not knowing if i was going to make it each day or what i was going to do when my time was up, but as days had passed it felt more like family than anything... Everyone here at the Mission are kind and considerate of other peoples lives and they want to help us seek development in society, finding people jobs, finding residency, also helping with food, shelter, drug addiction, Spiritual growth and overall well being. I just want to thank all the staff for their support, for making me feel worthwhile and for making me feel like I fit in at the Mission.
J.S.
The Mission has been a safe haven for me, and I appreciate it. Thank you!
D.C.