Our visit to the Springs Rescue Mission (SRM) is the prominent ministry of the Colorado Region for the care of the poor and sick. Every month, we make the trip to downtown Colorado Springs to distribute hygiene kits to the SRM guests, and more importantly, speak to them, hear their stories, and offer a reminder of their inherent dignity. Many of us know relatively little about the interior life of this mission we serve, so this reflection, perhaps a little less spiritual than descriptive, will try to provide an overview of life at the SRM.
Recently, the St. Mary’s Cathedral staff, two Knights of Malta, one Salesian Sister, and this parish priest received a tour of the Springs Rescue Mission.
The mission has three shelter programs. The Entry Shelter is a basic shelter where guests receive a bed or mattress for the night and can be assigned a 50-gallon trash bin to store items. They receive three small meals a day: oatmeal, a sandwich, and soup for dinner. The privileges and benefits received at the Entry Shelter are minimal; the mission hopes to encourage Entry Shelter guests to commit to the Hope Program where they will receive additional help and privileges.
In the Hope Program, each guest receives their own bunk and locker in which to store their possessions. The guests choose custodial services, maintenance, or cooking as a vocational track; hearty meals are prepared by guests learning the culinary arts and the custodians and maintainers ensure the mission is a respectable home with properly functional equipment. The Hope Program consists of five two-to-four-month stages. In the final stages, an assigned case officer works with each guest to help them find employment outside of the shelter. In addition to the many soft skills (communications, work ethic, responsibility, cooperation with others, etc.) required for reintegration into society, each graduate of the Hope Program receives a certification in their chosen vocational track.
Finally, in the New Life Program, men can stay for one year in an intensive substance abuse recovery program focused on healing their psychological, physical, and spiritual health. One of our tour guides, David, is a graduate of this program. He entered the SRM addicted to narcotics, met and was healed by the Lord, and has dedicated his life to helping others in the mission (you can hear him share his testimony on their webpage: https://www.springsrescuemission.org/blog).
Two aspects of the walk-through made an especially powerful impact: hospitality and relationship.
From the first email I sent them to coordinate a tour, the SRM staff emphasized how happy they were to host us for a walk-through and appreciated our desire to learn about their mission and
structure. Our guides met us outside, offered us water, and reiterated their excitement to share their mission with us.
The guests staying at the mission receive equally inviting treatment. When someone new checks into the mission, the first act by the mission staff and volunteers is to learn the name of the
newcomer. They want everyone to feel welcome and part of the community, thus those seeking shelter are “guests” instead of “homeless.” Even pets are welcomed: a dog kennel ensures folks
do not have to leave their furry companions on the streets. Everything is provided to the guests free of charge thanks to community support and donations.
This emphasis on hospitality and a welcoming spirit comes from their desire for a relationship with each person. Learning their names encourages familiarity and a sense of belonging at the shelter. As we toured, various guests would speak with our guides and our guides would respond to them by name.
The shelter programs encourage relationship on two levels. On the human level, the staff and volunteers try to know every guest as a person with dignity who deserves respect. They surround them with love (sometimes tough love) to encourage them to become what they could be. They provide opportunities for the guests to succeed in small tasks, to be proud of their work and contribution to their home, so they can succeed in larger tasks. The positive reinforcement and sincere concern for the guests creates bonds of respect and appreciation.
On another level, the SRM encourages relationship with God. Scripture passages decorate the walls of each building. In the Hope Program, each bunk has a sponsor dedicated to praying for the guest using that bunk. The mission does not proselytize, but they are open about their love for Jesus and his power in changing lives. In addition to the story of his own conversion, David told us about one guest who entered the mission radically opposed to God and Christianity. Because of the mission’s selfless care for him, he has gradually become the one leading prayer and asking others to pray for him.
When we exited the gates at the end of our tour, David asked me to close us in prayer. We all left the mission inspired and uplifted, eager and ready to serve Christ’s poor.
The facets of hospitality and relationship are crucial to any Christian work, especially with the poor. In the Order’s works, our hospitality is a means of moving to relationship – not just
between the poor and the Order, but especially reminding the poor of the one who made them and still loves them. If a hygiene kit and a smile can remind someone of Jesus’ love for them, then it is a good day.
Peace and blessings,
Fr. Tom Pressley