Dr.Munro program May 29
Our guest speaker today, May 29th, 2012 was Dr Scott Munro, Director of Development at the Gospel Rescue Mission. He started off by telling us that in 2000, the National Alliance to End Homelessness released a plan, not a dream; to End Homelessness in 10 years well it’s 2012, you think that happened?
Some statistics he told us about, the UofA in 1977 estimated that there were between 2600 – 2800 homeless in Pima County let’s fast forward and in 2012 we don’t really know the number because of changes to the way homeless are counted. If they have shelter they aren’t considered homeless so aren’t you glad you have a car you wouldn’t be homeless if you lived in it.
There are 140 men in the Men’s shelter every night and they only have 101 beds so 39 men sleep on the floor every night. There is 42 woman and children at the Center on Miracle Mile the dream is house up to100. Everyday an average of 25 women/children are turned down at the center because they’re “Is no place at the inn”, so to speak.
The demographics of the homeless have changed used to be mostly mentally ill, drug/alcohol abusers and those that made the choice to be homeless. Due to the economy there are many more people that maybe at one time gave to the shelter that are now using the facility.
They can stay at the shelter for about 18 months if they are in a treatment and growth program (if they want help). If they just want to come and get a shower and meals they can stay four (4) consecutive days.
What does the Gospel Rescue Mission offer, shelter first, food, clothing and critical services, education, long-term addiction recovery, discipleship and educational programs.
How can we help? While providing emergency shelter food and clothing, Dr. Munro said they need people to help, teach others to read, skill sets of any type spend time with them and encourage them. We can adopt a mother and child and help them, or help with annual Thanksgiving or Christmas Street Banquet. You can contact the Rescue Mission @ 520-740-1501 if you want to help personally or we can talk about it and do something as a group.