03 Jul Update and Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) July 1, 2020

As The Christian Center Rescue Mission cares for an increasing number of our most vulnerable neighbors during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, we remain committed to the health, safety and well-being of all. Our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness don’t have the option to “stay at home” to avoid risk to themselves or others — so we are reliant on friends like you who choose to give generously.

We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as proactively seeking and following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Madison County Health Department, local healthcare providers and other community partners. We are thankful for our supporters who help make it possible to continue our work.

We continue to offer essential residential, shelter and meal programs, as well as other services. Our response balances the consideration that our guests and clients are highly vulnerable to many challenges. As the only men’s emergency shelter and the only community dining room (soup kitchen) in Madison County we recognize we have a duty to care and not prematurely suspend potentially life-saving services. We are seeing new faces, with new worries — people who are desperately in need of the food, shelter and hope offered by The Christian Center. People in need continue to be welcomed at our locations, and we continue to provide information on services as well as program changes throughout our community.

As The Christian Center Rescue Ministries cares for our most vulnerable neighbors in the face of the coronavirus and other illnesses, our staff and volunteers continue to offer these essential services:

Breakfast (7:30am) lunch (12:00pm) and Dinner 5:00pm — Meals are served outdoors, to-go. It is critically important that those without a home or a job have access to life-sustaining meals to boost energy, nutrition and immunity during this time. A hand-washing station is available to each guest.

• Residential programs for men and women— we continue to offer residential programs for nearly 50 men at our 625 Main Street Campus. Residents are largely sheltering in place as they continue with a modified version of our programming and journey toward independent living. We always consider the health of our residents of paramount importance but especially during this time.  The Christian Center has begun to re-integrate returning residents as well as new arrivals. We are taking every precaution to ensure they are virus-free and we conduct ongoing verbal and visual health screenings, modify sleeping arrangements, and provide for isolation areas and social distancing to the extent allowed by our space. Along with our sister organization; Willow Place Shelter for Women, we continue to evaluate our options and best practices as we move to expand the services currently offered and create more options to shelter men and women.
• Support for children and families— The Christian Center continues to honor clothing vouchers on Thursdays at our Red Door Vintage at 621 Meridian Street. We anticipate our Community Assistance Dept. will open to the full voucher program, returning to a more normal routine within the coming weeks.
• Chapel Services – We have returned to a more-normal Chapel schedule including the optional discipleship program. However, these programs are not currently open to the public.

Through this time of uncertainty, we resolve to stay open to serve one of the most vulnerable populations in our city. Thank you for your compassionate support, which helps us serve the increasing numbers of people coming for meals and shelter as other options reduce services or close altogether.

How can you get involved during this challenging time?                 

1. 1. Pray with us— for the safety and health of everyone in our TCC family and their loved ones, and the care of our vulnerable neighbors who are experiencing homelessness or other crises.
   2. Support financially— your gift will help us serve our vulnerable neighbors living on the street or in desperate poverty. Your generosity can help us with unexpected costs of supplies as we package meals to-go and to clean our shelter and residential spaces. Make a gift​​ to help meet new needs during this crisis. 
   3. Volunteer — we ask everyone to follow the latest guidelines from city, state and national authorities, and remain home as much as possible. However, if you are healthy and able, we need help packaging and distributing meals, cleaning up in the kitchen, support in the warehouse and other places to serve. It is very important to remember that all safety precautions need to be followed by volunteers as prescribed by the health department. Find out more about volunteering here.
   4. Send needed supplies— See details of specific supplies needed: Amazon Smile Charity List. 
   5. Spread the word — remind others how vulnerable those without a home are in this crisis — and the ways The Christian Center Rescue Mission is responding. Follow and Share our social media posts and direct your friends to our website at www.thechristiancenter.org       https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianCenterAnderson

With a history going back to the 1950s, The Christian Center Rescue Mission is reminded how needs increased during times of widespread illness, staggering unemployment, difficult economic situations, and so many challenging times. The Christian Center Rescue Mission demonstrated God’s love to Anderson and Madison County then, and we resolve to do the same now, with your help.

As so many stay at home, thank you for remembering those who do not have a home. The Christian Center Rescue Mission continues to stand with these vulnerable neighbors. Thank you for standing with us.

Gratefully,    

Rob Spaulding

Executive Director