Do you see them?
Have you ever locked eyes with a homeless person?
Like many of us, you probably feel a familiar weight roll onto your shoulders when one stands at an intersection or street corner. You pretend to check your phone, look the opposite way, or lock your doors. Then, of course there are the times you look at them. A few seconds too long of eye contact and soon you are telling them you don’t carry cash, can only offer prayer, or simply “not today.” Interactions like these are interesting hands, holding us all somewhere between the spectrum of compassion and negligence.
What if there is more to see beyond the surface?
We believe in seeing more that just the face in front of us at Cleveland County Rescue Mission. We see the hungry mouths and feet with no shoes. We see mothers fleeing danger and fighting for the lives of their children. We see men who were never hugged as boys. When we look into the eyes of our guests, we give them more than two cents of hope. We give them a handshake of partnership in their future. We don’t just look, we see.
You have the opportunity to see too.
WHO WE ARE
Cleveland County Rescue Mission is a homeless shelter and restoration center creating employment and educational opportunities for the low-income individuals of Western North Carolina to catalyze social justice and economic growth. The Mission statement of the organization is as follows:
“Cleveland County Rescue Mission (CCRM) is dedicated to serving the homeless and poor populations of Shelby, and Cleveland County, NC. By providing access to basic needs as well as opportunities for restoration, personal growth, and development, CCRM enables people to begin their journey out of crisis and into self-sufficiency.”
Building Realities, Not Dreams
Current services offered by the Rescue Mission include two restoration programs, a women’s overnight shelter, a seasonal men’s overnight shelter, and monthly distribution of food and clothing.
The Women’s Restoration Program, known as Abba’s Love, and the Men’s Restoration Program are 2 residential, 6-month programs with 30-day probational periods. Abba’s Love can serve 8-10 single women along with 8 women and their children and the Men’s Restoration Program serves up to 12 men.
We have created a space that is safe, clean, and encouraging. We give men and women an opportunity to learn how to live a productive and purpose-driven life. Both Programs are designed to initiate the development of 5 focal areas of a man or woman’s life using a holistic approach. These areas are: Spiritual, Personal, Relational, Vocational, and Financial.
During their stay here, the men and women are helped with parenting, relationships, education, spiritual coaching, case management regarding all aspects of their lives, and employment opportunities. The Rescue Mission also runs a similarly-structured Women’s Overnight Shelter and seasonal Men’s Overnight Shelter to accommodate clients with more short-term needs.
However, members of either overnight shelter are eligible to join their respective Restoration Program if they so wish.
All services are free of charge with the intention of providing for client’s immediate needs (food, clothing, etc.) while preparing them for long-term self-sufficiency (access to college courses, employment assistance, etc.). When clients are accepted into programs, they begin by meeting with Program Directors to discuss their situations and brainstorm at least one personal goal they want to achieve before graduating. These goals can include finishing school, buying a car, or securing long-term housing. Clients then spend the next 6 months in the program working through curriculum, securing a job, saving money, and taking necessary steps to achieve their goals. Weekly evaluations are done through one-on-one sessions with Program Directors to assess progress and adjust as needed.
Our Story
Cleveland County Rescue Mission was originally established by a group of caring citizens to serve the needs of homeless men in the surrounding area. The group started the non-profit Inter-Faith Alliance Corporation and in 2015 the nonprofit adopted the name Cleveland County Rescue Mission and became members of Citygate Network (Formally the Association of Gospel Rescue Mission).
In July of 2020, the management of the organization was placed in the hands of the Western Carolina Rescue Ministry in Asheville, North Carolina and over the last year and half Western Carolina Rescue Ministries has worked with the Board of Directors at Cleveland County Rescue Mission to create a stable organization to ensure that services continued in the community. Although the executive leadership of both non-profits are the same, the commitment is to make sure that funds raised in each community continue to benefit those in that region. Each board is able to oversee the governance and operations of each non-profit.
Cleveland County Rescue Mission is committed to providing access for its clients to basic needs as well as opportunities for restoration from homelessness, personal growth, and development and enables people to begin their journey out of crisis and into self-sufficiency.
From the hearts of those we serve.
“This is more than just a shelter.” – Jasmine
“We have everything we need here because of you.” – Courtney
“I couldn’t believe how many people cared.” – Hali
“Even if you don’t feel like you are making a difference, you are providing so much.” – Keith
“Thank you! If it wasn’t for people like you, I wouldn’t be here today.” – Sam
Join the Dispense Love
Army.
Will You Enlist?
Join us in making a tangible difference in our community. Your support enables us to provide essential services and care to those in need.
Your Support Matters
- For Individuals: A monthly gift of $100 can change lives.
- For Businesses and Churches: Weekly support of $100 helps sustain our vital services.
- Become a part of our Dispense Love Campaign, directly impacting lives in the Greater Cleveland County area.
Volunteer and Make a Difference
- Your time and skills are invaluable. Teach a class, assist in meal preparation, or help with events and fundraisers.
- Every act of volunteering contributes significantly to our mission.
Together, we can create a positive change in the lives of many. Will you join us in this mission of dispensing love in Greater Cleveland County?
Cost Breakdown for Supporting Individuals
Includes meals, classes, counseling, room & board
Support for a Single Adult (Male or Female)
Daily Cost: $27.40
Weekly Cost: $192.33
Monthly Cost: $833.42
Support for a Mother and Child*
Daily Cost: $33.50
Weekly Cost: $235.14
Monthly Cost: $1,018.96
(*for both mother and child)
Join Us in Making a Difference
Join our Dispense Love Army today and enlist your church in a mission of compassion. Together, we can bring hope and tangible support to those in need in our community. Your involvement is a powerful act of love and service. Register now to become a beacon of hope and kindness.
Please fill out all required fields. We respect your privacy and your information will be kept confidential.
For more information or to enlist contact
Shea Watson
Call: 704-751-4000
Email: shea@myccrm.org