Frank Pesek, Executive Director The House of Refuge is a inter-denominational, not for profit Christian ministry. The mission of The House of Refuge is to address a fundamental gap services for displaced people in Burke County by providing emergency shelter and support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Though other agencies in our area work diligently on behalf of the homeless, those they assist must meet the criteria in order to enter their programs. Everyday, The House of Refuge reaches who have nowhere else to go. We serve the community as a complementary and integral component in the overall effort to assist the homeless and needy.

The House of Refuge was founded a little over two years ago by Kathy and David Collins when they opened their own home to those without one. Since then, more than 150 folks have shared their home using over, many using the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

The vision of The House of Refuge is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassionate service and loving relationships bringing hope, instilling principles and attitudes that motivate people to change their situation by providing: A place for food and rest for the body and refreshment for the soul A place where the stranger is welcome when there is no other room A networking center for those on the street to enter the care system of our community We do not help the homeless to present the Gospel We help the homeless because it IS the Gospel

All guests are provided a comfortable place to spend the night, dinner, breakfast, bagged lunch, laundry services, clothing, medical screening and referrals, a life skill training with a Life Coach, assisted job and housing search. Emergency housing ranges from days per month. Average stay is 17 days 70% return to stable living situations Open 365 days per year from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 A.M.

Murphy Street Shelter Built by community volunteers and donations 20 bed facility Scheduled to open before Christmas

Who Are The Homelessness? 167 people identified as homeless in 2009 PIT Count. Many more were uncounted. 55% are male adults 21% female adults 41% consisted of two or more persons identified as a family member with 24% of those being children. 6% were veterans 5% Chronic 97% Burke County Citizens

Causes of Homelessness Un/under employment Burke County ranks 14 th in the nation Eroding Work Opportunities Collapsing Housing Market 38.4% of households paying more than 30% of income for housing Lack of Affordable Health Care Mental Illness 25% Addiction Disorders 38% Recently discharged from criminal justice system 18% Domestic Violence 2%

Trends Chronically homeless fell by 18% families who were homeless increased by 75%.

Gaps in Services Resources that target homeless prevention Emergency shelter and services Transitional Housing for ex-offenders Supportive housing for veterans

One Familys Story

How Can You Help? Pray – Add us to your prayer list and remember us often. Become a Shelter Donor - Your gifts are critical in our ability to give support to those in need. Become a First Responder - Wed love to discuss with you what kinds of volunteer service you'd most enjoy doing and try to find a perfect match.

Questions