Before filling out the application form provided below, take the time to read through all the information on this page. Our program is a comprehensive Bible-Based Christian Recovery Program, distinct from just being a homeless shelter. The program guidelines are clearly outlined below. If you feel ready to commit to transforming your life, kindly complete the form following these guidelines, and expect to hear from us within 48 hours.
The main purpose and the reason the Rescue Mission exists is to fulfill the great commission as outlined by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19 and 20: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, Amen. The general purpose of all the residential rehabilitation programs is to prepare men to return to the mainstream of our society and become responsible productive members of that society
The Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission currently operates a guest entry and four residential rehabilitation programs. Our current facilities have the capacity to provide temporary shelter and transitional residence for a total of 84 men.
The purpose of the Mission’s guest entry is to provide emergency and short-term shelter, food and clothing. Upon arrival at the Mission, a Guest intake is given that consist of information gathering of the guest and signature agreement acknowledging requirements in staying at the Mission. In our guest program, an individual may stay up to 7 straight days. During this time, they must show signs that they are working towards taking steps to move forward in their life circumstances by attending daily chapel services, participate in daily work assignments around the Mission, attend required classes during their 7 day stay. Guest length of stay is generally limited to seven days per calendar month and a total of twenty-eight days per calendar year. Extensions may be granted on a case by case basis for men waiting for housing or transferring to an alternative community program. After assessing a new man’s needs, staff will offer the Residential Rehabilitation Program here at the Mission. If the guest accepts entrance into the RR program, they will start with the Mission’s Spiritual Recovery Program. A strict, no tolerance of drugs and alcohol atmosphere is maintained. Upon entering Resident status and SRP each person is required to attend the 60-day Discipleship Track entry level classes. The Discipleship Track entry level classes consist of Biblical studies, addiction recovery classes, chapels, the Mission Support Program, etc. These first couple of months will provide a good start in developing the 5 Values of Christ-centered, Servant-leadership, Transformation, Stewardship, and Excellence in everyone for successful living. Once completion of the DTEC the person continues in the resident program and can go on to employment outside the Mission if ready.
If the guest does not offered or refuses the MSPR they will be referred to an alternative community program or organization if the person’s needs require. These include, but are not limited to Shenandoah Community Health Care (physical health care), East Ridge Health System (mental health care), WVU Universities East (physical and mental health care), Veteran’s Affairs, Telamon Corporation (housing assistance), WV Coalition to End Homelessness, Department of Health and Human Resources, Congregational Cooperative Action Program, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, or other organizations in the general geographical area.
Residential Rehabilitation Program
Mission’s Spiritual Recovery Program. A strict, no tolerance of drugs and alcohol atmosphere is maintained. Upon entering Resident status and SRP each person is required to attend the 60-day Discipleship Track entry level classes. The Discipleship Track entry level classes consist of Biblical studies, addiction recovery classes, chapels, the Mission Support Program, etc. These first couple of months will provide a good start in developing the 5 Values of Christ-centered, Servant-leadership, Transformation, Stewardship, and Excellence in everyone for successful living. Once completion of the DTEC the person continues in the resident program and can go on to employment outside the Mission if ready.
The Mission’s Support Program is the primary program that new men enter. It is a Christian-based recovery program that restores structure and order through work assignments. These assignments include warehouse helpers that assist in our recycling program, cook helpers that assist in preparing and serving meals, housekeepers that clean and perform light maintenance, driver’s assistants that help with donation pick-ups and store deliveries, wood and furnace crew, stockroom sorter, and facilities and grounds maintenance.
The Mission’s Employment Program is a halfway program that allows men to reside at the Mission while employed in the community. Employment may be full-time or a combination of part-time employment in the community and part-time volunteer work in the community or at the Mission. Once a man enters the Employment Program, he is encouraged to find housing within one hundred eighty days. After ninety days a review of the man’s financial stability will be conducted by a staff member, this requirement may be waived until a man is physically, mentally and financially capable to live outside of the Mission’s structured environment.
The Mission’s Staff Program is designed to allow men to continue in the Mission’s Spiritual Recovery Program while providing avenues for increased responsibility and authority. A participant in this program assumes a residential staff position in administration, food services, housekeeping, transportation, store operations or facilities and grounds maintenance.
Except for the Employment Program, there is no length of stay limitations for any of the Mission’s residential programs. However, the general purpose of all the residential rehabilitation programs is still to prepare men to return to the mainstream of our society and become responsible productive members of that society
Please read all rules carefully. You will be expected to follow them all in order to continue staying as a guest.
- Registered sex offenders may eat but not stay. Prospective guests will have their name checked against the sex offender registry.
- All guests MUST attend chapel services at 7:00 each day.
- No non-prescription drugs, alcohol, or weapons permitted. Random checks through Urine analysis test, Breathalyzer and if need be with a drug dog may occur and prosecution of any offenders will take place.
- Must be in bed by 10:00 PM, may not be in dining room until 6:00 AM.
- Wake up is at 6:00 AM Monday thru Saturday, 7:00 AM Sunday.
- Must leave Mission property and take all belongings by 8:00 AM if not in the Guest Work Program, Monday through Saturday and 9:00 AM on Sunday.
- If you chose not to be in the Guest Work Program you will still be required to participate in cleaning up after yourself and helping in setting up and cleaning up after meals. Must leave Mission property and take all belongings as stated in rule #7.
- All are welcome to three meals per day (Hours posted on front door)
- No food or drink permitted in chapel, TV room, computer room or dorms.
- Cell phones are to be turned into the front desk during work assignments, discipleship class and chapel services. They are also to be turned in by 10:00pm.
- Do not disrupt chapel in any way. Save any and all comments or questions for the speaker until service is over.
- You are not allowed to exit and reenter the property once you sign in.
- Beds will not be assigned until after evening chapel service, and only after a shower has been taken and your cell phone has been turned into the desk.
- Guests may not sit on the sidewalk wall along W. King or Elijah Streets.
- Rescue Mission staff has the right to inspect and search all personal property on Mission grounds as needed.
- Guests are to use proper English during your stay. This means no swearing or bad language.
- Guests have no mail privileges with the Martinsburg Rescue Mission. Guests are not permitted to receive mail at the Mission, nor will they be issued a letter of residency until they are officially signed onto the Spiritual Recovery Program.
- You are under direct supervision of the desk man. He must be made aware of any medication you are taking. Failure to disclose this information will result in being unable to stay at the Mission in the future.
- Women and children are permitted on Mission property ONLY during meals times. (Breakfast 6:30-7:30, Lunch 11:00-12:00, Dinner 4:00-5:00). If it is found you have guests on Mission property outside of these times, you will be asked to leave.
