Welcome! Friday, March 29, 2024 | Login | Register
   
New shelter offers more space, amenities
CCRM administrators hope to open the cafeteria to the public in the near future.

Volunteers and staff of the Cleveland County Rescue Mission (CCRM) welcomed 40 residents into the mission's refurnished 18,000-square-foot facility on May 13. Mission residents relocated from a 3,000-square-foot Washington Street facility that had grown too small to house the growing ministry.
The new facility boasts many amenities that will greatly assist CCRM in meeting its mission of "providing shelter, recovery programs and support services to the homeless by proclaiming the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ." Currently the new building features two bunk rooms that house 20 men each. A second floor with a third bunkroom along with eight single rooms will be completed sometime in the near future. The new shelter also currently offers an "Education & Employablity Center" with 15 computer stations, a dayroom, a classroom, a health clinic, a counseling room and a commercial kitchen.
The new facility is already being put to good use, according to CCRM Director of Community Development Jocelyn Hill. Hill says Adult High School began at the Buffalo Street mission in July with help from Cleveland Community College, and 12 residents and community members are currently working to earn GEDs. The Work Ready Certification Program, also through Cleveland Community College, will begin later this month, Hill said.
The mission staff is working on funding for a community soup kitchen that will enable CCRM to open its cafeteria to the public for at least one meal per day. The mission currently feeds 40 residents three meals per day.
CCRM is also partnering with Gardner-Webb University to staff the mission's on-site health clinic.
The Washington Street facility that previously housed the men's shelter is now undergoing a renovation of its own and will house homeless women and children this fall.
Hill says that an open house for the Washington Street location is scheduled for September 20 from 1 - 4 p.m. Plans are for the residents to move into the women's shelter beginning in October.
You may reach the CCRM at 704-481-1889 or visit them at www.myccrm.org.

By APRIL HOYLE SHAUF
Special to Shelby Shopper


Printer-friendly format