2 Thursday, November 14, 2024 BATTLE CREEK SHOPPER NEWS http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.com
See SUPPORT on 3 See HELP on 3Executive
Director
Daniel Jones
explains why
The Haven of
Rest Ministries
needs the
community’s
support:
Increased Demand for Services
*We’re seeing a significant
increase in people needing
shelter and support,
especially with the recent
closure of another shelter in
town. The Haven of Rest has
stepped in to help as best we
can.
*Our shelters are at or near
full capacity nightly, with more
people turning to us in a time
of real need.
Supporting Those Displaced
by the Recent Shelter Closure
*With the other shelter’s
closure, our facilities are
absorbing much of their
population. We’re working
hard to accommodate
the increase and ensure
continuity of care.
*Street Outreach team has
been very active serving this
population
*This closure has left many of
our community’s unsheltered
without options. Our mission
is to be here for everyone in
crisis, but this sudden rise
is challenging our available
resources.
Escalating Operational Costs
*Inflation has significantly
increased our operational
costs—everything from food
to utilities. Keeping up with
these costs while serving
more people is stretching our
budget thin.
*Payroll costs have increasedBY JOHN HENDLER
Editor
Established in 1956 by Don and
Wilma Chalfant as “The Haven of
Rest Rescue Mission,” The Haven
of Rest Ministries(thehavenbc.org)
in Battle Creek originally provided
meals, shelter and the gospel mes-
sage to homeless men and veterans.
The Haven has expanded to offer
many innovative services to the
ever-changing homeless population,
who need help in learning social self-
sufficiency and productivity.
The Haven provides emergency
food and shelter each night to home-
less men on a temporary basis (30-
days). Pastoral and case manage-
ment services are available through
qualified shelter staff, working in
conjunction with local agencies.
Referrals are available for clients to
receive medical, psychological and
legal assistance. Area churches from
many denominations provide nightly
church services for those wishing to
attend.
The Haven serves the unshel-
tered public, specifically men over
18 years old in its Men’s Shelter,
families and mothers / fathers with
children, veterans (with a specificLisa Foley, left, Family Division
coordinator is pictured with Maxine
Small, support staff. Photo by John Hendler.veterans program), and adult men
with disabilities who need an adult
foster care.
They provide emergency shelter
for 30 to 60 days, all daily meals
and daily basic personal care needs.
The Haven’s case managers provide
connection to counseling, substance
abuse recovery assistance, support
groups, transitional housing and
referrals for medical care, legal assis-
tance and employment.
The Haven serves approximately
245 meals a day to the general pub-
lic, providing meals on weekends,
holidays and other days when the
soup kitchen at the Salvation Army
is closed.
Through its Jail Ministry, theHaven provides comfort and coun-
seling to inmates of the Calhoun
County Jail.
To continue to provide the many
services The Haven of Rest provides
in the Battle Creek community,
Executive Director Daniel Jones is
appealing to the community to help
bridge an approximate $200,
budget shortfall.
“Due to a lower-than-expected
population of homeless veterans and
delays in the timing of payments
from some of our partners, our usual
contract income has substantially
decreased,” said Jones. “This short-
fall is projected to persist, result-In 2023, The Haven provided help for 1,800 people. Photo by John Hendler.The Haven of Rest seeks community support