How do homeless families become residents of Open House Ministries?
Open House Ministries works with a wide network of collaborative partners and service providers. These consist of local and regional human service agencies and organizations, as well as faith-based communities and churches. Families need to be referred to Open House Ministries and acceptance is based on our availability and the family’s willingness to work the program Open House Ministries provides. For more information about residency applications and availability, contact Jon Nichols at 360-737-0300 or email Jon at jon.nichols@sheltered.org
Referrals often come from local pastors or outreach coordinators of local churches who have insight about families in need. We also take referrals from and collaborate with providers such as the Washington state Department of Social and Human Services, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families, Child Protective Services, Columbia River Mental Health and Sea Mar-Community Services Northwest.
Then what?
When there is room for one of these families at Open House Ministries, the candidates meet one on one with our case management team to set the groundwork for their stay. If accepted into the program, the family receives housing, food, clothing, basic needs and full program support.
Why it works
For more than 30 years, Open House Ministries has helped heal broken lives and restore families. A resident’s success here is shaped in large part by their participation in our holistic program. Families who become part of the Open House Ministries community are made aware of the following:
- Open House Ministries is a Christian family shelter.
- Families at Open House Ministries are treated with dignity and respect.
- Open House Ministries accepts people just as they are and will provide a loving, supportive community to help people get back on their feet.
- We maintain a 100% clean and sober environment.
- While in our shelter, residents receive all the resources and tools we offer to help families become self-sufficient. We also connect people to outside agencies and other helpful community resources.
- Open House Ministries is concerned with helping residents heal in mind, body and spirit.
- Individuals are held accountable.
- As long as there is growth, families can stay a week at a time, for as long as it takes.
Does Open House Ministries have emergency housing services?
We provide residential housing and comprehensive programs for homeless families with children. If you or someone you know is in need of emergency housing services outside of that definition, we recommend contacting the Council for the Homeless at 360-695-9677.
(If facing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.)
