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.
Upon checking into our program, a background check will be run. If you are found to have warrants, you will have seven days to turn yourself in and start getting the warrants cleared and must turn in verification that you are doing so.
The main purpose and the reason that Hope House and all ministry programs 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 ministry programs is to prepare individuals to return to the mainstream of our society and become responsible productive members of that society.
The Hope House, which is one of many ministry programs currently operates under the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission, Inc.
The purpose of the Hope House guest entry is to provide emergency and short-term shelter, food, and clothing. Upon arrival at the Hope House, a Guest intake is given that consists of information gathering of the guest and signature agreement acknowledging requirements in staying at the Hope House. In our guest program, an individual may stay up to seven 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 Hope House, attend required classes during their 7 days stay. Guest length of stay is 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 individuals waiting for housing or transferring to an alternative community program. After assessing an individual’s needs, staff can offer the Ministry Program here at the Hope House. If the guest accepts entrance into the RR program, they will start with the Hope House Spiritual Recovery Program. A strict, no tolerance of drugs and alcohol atmosphere is maintained. Upon entering Program status each person is required to attend the Discipleship Track entry level classes. The Discipleship Track entry level classes consist of Biblical studies, addiction recovery classes, chapels, the Hope House Support Program, etc. These classes will provide a good start in developing the 6 Values of Christ-centered, Servant-leadership, Transformation, Stewardship, Excellence and Honor in everyone for successful living. Once the person completes 60 days of clean and sober and negative testing on both the urinalyses and breathalyzer and they continue in the program they can go on to employment outside the Mission if ready.
If the guest is not offered or refuses the HHSRP 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.
Hope House Program Rules
Please read all the rules carefully. You will be expected to follow them all 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 5:00 pm each day and discipleship classes should you choose to stay and be part of the work therapy program.
- No non-prescription drugs, alcohol, or weapons permitted. Random checks through Urine analysis test, Breathalyzer and if necessary, with a drug dog may occur and prosecution of any offenders will take place.4.
- Prescription Medication will be locked up in your Personal locker in your room and logged in by staff and person that owns the Meds. Once in the program and you are given new meds they must be logged in by the Caseworker or staff.
At NO time will anyone be able to have Prescription medications of any illegal Drugs on them or their property while staying here at the Hope House. Upon leaving the Hope House they may sign out their Meds to take with them. Any Prescription medication left behind after a person leaves the Hope House after 30 days will be discarded. There is NO sharing of Prescription Medication of any kind. This will result in immediate disciple/possible termination of your stay here at the Hope House.
- Must be in bed by 10:00 PM, may not be in the dining room until 6:00 AM Monday – Saturday.
- Wake up is at 6:00 AM Monday through Saturday.
- Wake up is at 7:00 AM Sunday. May not be in dining room until 7 am.
- All are welcome to three meals per day.
- No food or drink permitted in the rooms.
- All Ministry Program participants will all be given work assignments based on need and abilities. Ministry Program participants will:
- Report to their job assignment on time and on the days scheduled.
- Perform the duties assigned.
- Remain at their job assignment until the shift is over.
- Show respect to coworkers and be courteous.
- Respect the authority of the supervisor.
- All Ministry Program participants MUST attend their assigned daily discipleship class and evening chapel service every day.
- Smoking is permitted outside in the designated areas ONLY and will be strictly enforced.
- No non-prescription drugs, alcohol, or weapons are permitted. Random checks with a drug dog may occur and prosecution of any offenders will take place.
- All Ministry Program participants must be in the building by 9:00 PM daily, lights out by 11:00 PM.
- No food or drink permitted in the rooms.
- Ministry Program participants are not allowed to have their phones during chapel services or work hours. There are to be NO cell phones or electronic devices in the dorms in ANY way.
- Any electronic device playing audio is required to have earphones plugged in (i.e., mp3, cell phones, iPads, etc.) while in use.
- Do not disrupt the chapel in any way. Save all comments or questions for the speaker until service is over.
- Shower and change clothes daily.
- Hope House staff has the right to inspect and search all personal property on grounds as needed.
- Turn into the desk electronic devices, including cell phones, during chapel services. Cell phones are to be turned into the front desk by 10:00pm. Guests are not allowed to have their phones during chapel services (5pm) or work hours Mon-Fri (8am to 10 pm). Program ladies may have their phones with approval from staff for appointments from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
- Cell phones are permitted by Staff on Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 10 pm exception, not during chapel time.
- You are to sign in and sign out when leaving the Hope House at any time for any reason.
- Guests may not sit on the sidewalk or parking lot.
- Hope House staff has the right to inspect and search all personal property on 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 Hope House. Guests are not permitted to receive mail at Hope House, nor will they be issued a letter of Ministry Program Entry until they are officially signed onto the Ministry Program.
- You are under direct supervision of the staff of the Hope House. They must be made aware of any medication you are taking. Failure to disclose this information will result in my being unable to stay at the Hope House in the future.
