More than a flophouse or soup kitchen…
The number of homeless men has skyrocketed. Cities, including the greater Fresno area, are beginning to experience a pattern of homelessness and substance abuse -- men with no hope.

Who will help the least, the last and the lost?

Community Care is a “first touch” ministry comprised of several points of contact, e.g. Fresno Medical Respite Center, The Safe Area, Emergency Overnight Shelter, Next Steps process, etc.  We partner with a host of community agencies, non-profits, churches, legal and health services in an effort to pull individuals from the pit of despair to an opportunity for total life change through Christ.  It takes a first step to begin a new journey.  

The Emergency Overnight Shelter for men is designed as a First Step process, offering hope through a meal, a shower, and a place to sleep...all done through the love of Jesus Christ. The Fresno Rescue Mission believes that it takes more than shelter to move a man forward. Our goal is to provide a safe environment, encouragement through interaction with trained staff (Community Care Providers), and an invitation to make a first step toward living the abundant life God has for them. This process is taking them from despair > to hope > to seeing that life change is possible > to restoration. This is all done through love, but with accountability. (Pictured: The emergency shelter, where individuals are supervised by Community Care staff while they sleep. We bring in mattress pads and warm bedding for all our guests.  It is safer than a raised bed.  The room is warm and the environment, clean.)

Next Steps 
Individuals who have met with a Case Manager and who elect to take the steps necessary to exit the homeless lifestyle may participate in the Next Steps process.  Guests reside in our short term shelter facility, attend evening chapel services, participate in simplified work therapy roles, and work with their Case Manager to discuss daily activities and personal goals.  Our objective is to direct participants in their Next Steps through available housing, employment opportunities and/or extended services available to them.  We do this to help individuals re-engage with the community and to be the person God designed them to be.  (Pictured: We have room for 42 beds in the Community Care Short-term Care rooms.  However, our goal is to individualize the process based on each person's needs and abilities.  Some individuals may need less than a week to reconnect in society, where others may benefit from a longer stay and more one-on-one assistance as they make strides. Each room also provides limited storage for each person's needs.)

"We're Here to help."

Our community Care staff and Case Managers are eager to work with our guests.  They love to welcome them in and encourage them as they make these life-saving decisions.  (Pictured: Richard Lopez, Case Manager)  

Other Services

Mailing Address:
Guests may use the Fresno Rescue Mission address as a home address: 310 G Street, Fresno CA 93706. Guests must check for mail at least once a week, either by walk-in visit after 3:30 p.m. or by telephone. Guests may call the office at 268-0839, Ext. 0 during office hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

Messages:
Guests may use the Fresno Rescue Mission telephone number as a message phone number. The front desk will post all messages on the community bulletin board, located at the front desk. Guests may check for messages at any time.

Clothing:
The Fresno Rescue Mission has a weekly clothing giveaway for all registered guests. Check with the front desk to determine time and location. Clothing will not be given away at any other times without prior administrative approval.

Health Precautions/Requirements

Tuberculosis testing is a service provided free of charge to all overnight guests by the Department of Health and Human Services of Fresno County, Broadway Plaza, 1221 Fulton Mall, Fresno CA 93721 (445-3413). Testing is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Results are read within 48 to 72 hours of testing (guests are responsible for following up to obtain written results). All Next Steps participants must provide test results before being admitted into the short-term care rooms. Test results will remain on file with our facility for our guests' convenience.

The use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco are not permitted on the premises of the Fresno Rescue Mission.  All Next Steps participants or program participants are tested.

Ongoing Services

Food Services
The Fresno Rescue Mission receives food donations from local businesses and individuals, who generously give because they feel compassion for the least, the last and the lost. These donations allow us to feed our guests in the Overnight Shelter, Fresno Medical Respite Center, Safe Area, the Academy, and the Rescue the Children Community. It also allows us to provide for needy families as part of our outreach ministries.  Because of the generosity of the community, we are also able to share food with other agencies, churches and ministries.

Evening Meal (5:00PM) and Morning Breakfast (6:00 AM)

This is open to anyone in need.  It’s our opportunity to offer love and nourishment in the name of Christ.

Chapel Service
Offering HOPE and TRUTH through the Word of God will remain the central objective in all we do.

Evening Chapel Service
This is open to the public every evening at 7:30 PM. 

Saturday Breakfast Service, Sunday Worship & Special Events
Each week we offer special worship services and we host special events throughout the year - It’s our opportunity to meet and greet new guests!

Current Needs
Volunteer Opportunities: 
Posted December 2012:  We are seeking energetic churches to be involved in our evening services and process elements.  Our guests love to be engaged in recurring activities with folks who care about them and enjoy getting to know them.  To learn more about how your group can be involved, contact Chaplain Bob Henry @ (559) 268-0839, ext 206 or by e-mail @ chapbobhenry@hotmail.com

Chaplain Jay Carroll
Director of Community Care
310 G Street
Fresno CA 93706
(559) 268-0839 x0
jcarroll@fresnorm.org