Non-profits look forward, with eye to neediest of area

Two non-profits tasked with providing emergency housing and other services to some of the area’s most vulnerable residents say the community has been extremely good to them in 2019, but their needs continue year-round.

Both United Gospel Rescue Mission and Haven House already have their eyes set to 2020, and how they will continue to provide services.

The Haven House Board of Directors hosts a gala every five years to celebrate the milestone and to honor those who have helped make it grow. The 35th Anniversary Gala will be held March 28, with the theme “Reach for the Stars.”

The Mason-Dixon Chili Society Chili Cook Off will be held Feb. 22, to benefit the UGRM and is also an annual event.

UGRM offers emergency housing for men, a program for men battling addiction, a daily meal, help for those impacted by fire and assistance during community disasters.

Haven House is a domestic violence shelter for women and children.

Both have a long history of serving area residents, touching thousands of lives every year.

“The United Gospel Rescue Mission is in our community to serve our community and the surrounding areas. The mission is ready to assist our poorest community members in their time of need,” Rev. Greg Kirk, executive director of the United Gospel Rescue Mission. “Whether it is providing rehabilitation to an addicted man, serving a hot, nutritious meal to a hungry soul, helping with utility connection fees, or aiding clients with clothing, furniture and household goods.”

Poplar Bluff is an amazing town, Kirk believes.

“Poplar Bluff is the most giving community I have ever lived in. I have been totally blown away by the community,” he said, of how the UGRM is supported through donations and other efforts.

Haven House sees that support as well, according to Mary Ann Allen, Haven House executive director.

“It is rewarding to see how many families, groups and businesses come together to help make the (Christmas) season brighter for those we serve,” remarked Allen. “And it seems that each year, we have more and more families in need.”

This year, nearly 1,800 women received emergency, out-reach or court advocacy from Haven House staff. They needed everything from an empathetic ear or safety plan to assistance in the court system.

Of those, 245 needed shelter as they found jobs and saved money, reconnected with family in other areas, and made plans for long term safety. And while families are accepted from anywhere, 78% were from Butler and the neighboring counties of Ripley, Wayne, Stoddard and Carter.

During a recent week, there were 27 women and children residing at Haven House. In a shelter with only 31 beds, it is almost always this full, and fairly regularly there are no available beds, according to Allen.

“This year has been a productive one for us,” stated Allen, “as the board decided to enhance out-reach services with the addition of a large storage space and the remodeling of an existing facility to house outreach and counseling services.”

Paid for mainly by private cash donations and supplemented by government grants, it will be a move in the right direction.

“The shelter is almost always at capacity and even when families move from the shelter, they often rely on our staff for community referrals, transportation and emotional support,” she said.

While Allen and her team praise their supportive friends, Kirk offers equally kind words about the community that keeps on giving.

The mission’s Christian Social Services meet needy families, individuals and Senior Citizens in the community and attempt to reach out to them and help with their various needs each day.

Kirk explains, “our New Life Program at the Kay Porter house provides men needing help with their addictions to find a new life through a one-year, residential rehabilitation program. This program is free of charge thanks to our wonderful donors who care about others in our community.”

All of this and other services are done free of charge, and could not have happened without financial donations from the caring people of this community, Kirk said, as well as the hundreds of volunteers who come out for emergencies.

For more information about the gala, or how to help further the Haven House mission, call 573-686-4873.

The mission can be contacted at 573-785-4683.