Program areas at Winchester Rescue Mission
The Winchester Rescue Mission provides high quality care to individuals devastated by the effects of poverty and homelessness by offering healing from the past, help for the present and hope for the future. Men and women who find themselves in need of a safe and welcoming place to land can find it here. As the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and hygiene services are met, stress is removed and healing can begin. When a person walks through the Mission doors, they complete a comprehensive intake and are then connected with a case manage to develop individual, attainable and progressive goals to begin working towards the ultimate long-term goal of life transformation. Areas a guest may work on with their case manager and perhaps a counselor include addiction, mental health, medical and physical issues, dental issues, life skills, income, housing, veteran's services, obtaining personal identification, and spiritual guidance. During financial year 2023, the Winchester Rescue Mission provided 16,614 nights of shelter, 2080 hours of in person case management, and 520 hours of counseling services.
Hunger can create instability and a seemingly endless cycle of brokenness and depression for individuals and families. Not everyone who joins us for meals is homeless. Recently our community has been greatly affected by food insecurity and many of our neighbors find themselves in need of meals and groceries that they cannot afford for a variety of reasons. Providing free groceries through our program known as cameron market, and free prepared meals though our cafe on cameron initiative allows for those with minimal household finances to pay for critical bills and help to stabilize the home. During the 2023 financial year 6,797 participants received groceries and 63,864 hot meals were served.