The Shelter Ministry
Our shelter for homeless individual men offers an opportunity for them to
stabilize themselves and get their lives together. Our guests come from
all walks of life, even professionals. Their circumstances vary greatly.
Some are unemployed, some have been evicted, some are involved in
domestic disputes, and some are struggling with substance abuse issues.
Our first focus is on the emergency needs of the guests; to respond to
what they need at the moment. We then focus on assisting each guest
towards stabilization by getting to know him and looking at a continuum
of care. Our goal is self-sufficiency; for example guests are encouraged
to work and save money as a step towards independent living. While we
are sheltering our guests, we make sure that we are available to them to
make referrals and to address other needs. The men are allowed to stay
for an indefinite amount of time.
Referrals systems are in place at Market Ministries to help
individuals gain access to mainstream services. Currently Market
Ministries makes referrals to agencies, which include Department of
Mental Health (DMH), Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of
Transitional Assistance (DTA), Transitional Social Services (TSS),
People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE), Catholic Social Services (CSS),
Social Security, Department of Social Services (DSS), hospitals, medical
clinics, Career Center, Salvation Army, Veterans Transition, and parole
officers. Police assistance is available for protective issues. We also
help in finding detox programs, obtaining food stamps, using the
Library, finding jobs, and in dealing with the court system.
The Transitional Housing Ministry
Market
Ministries' transitional house, located on Penniman Street, is called
the Y-Initiative. It is an opportunity for individual men who are clean
and sober and have reached a level of independence by holding a job or
aggressively looking for one. Supervision is by one part time staff
person who assists the guests with saving money, and encourages them
towards a brighter future.
Market Ministries
Programs We Offer
Market Ministries
serves a variety of people through its various programs. The largest
group includes our guests at the meals program held at Pilgrim United
Church of Christ in downtown New Bedford. It is open 5 days a week from 11:00
-12:30. There are families and elders, as well as many others who value
the opportunity for socialization in addition to the food. The soup
kitchen is supervised by one full time staff person and is supported by volunteers. Currently the soup kitchen
is serving an average of 170 people per day.