Dothan Rescue Mission Ministries
Feeding Program
Nutritious meals are served daily. Breakfast is served to persons staying overnight. Lunch and dinner are served to those who request a meal. Upon special request carry out meals may be picked up or delivered to shut-ins.
Food Baskets
Pantry food is given to needy families who are waiting for food stamps or who have emergencies in their home requiring the need for a food basket. Clients that have not applied for food stamps are advised to do so.
Clothing, Furniture, Household items and Personal Items
Clients with fire reports indicating that they have had a recent household fire or who have had other emergency situations which are verified are given clothing, household items, personal items, and furniture (usually bedding and chairs) upon availability and as needed.
Bus Tickets
Bus tickets may be purchased for a verified emergency situation for an individual to travel to another city for safety or health reasons.
Lodging
Overnight facilities are provided for homeless persons, both local and transient, due to emergency situations. Special arrangements can be made for persons needing to stay longer.
Medicine
Medicine is provided for persons needing help with blood pressure medications, heart medications, antibiotics, and for persons with diabetes.
Clearing House Ministry
The Clearing House is an administrative service established in January, 1984, jointly by the Dothan Ministerial Union and the Dothan Rescue Mission to promote effective ministry to the needy of this area. The Clearing House depends upon the Dothan Rescue Mission, Service Organizations, and area churches for its funding. There exists a definite need for the financial and other support from a greater number of the area churches. Our opportunity to help always exceeds our financial resources available.
The Clearing House services are as follows:
• Assist in the payment of utilities, rent, and medication for persons requesting and qualifying for assistance once in a twelve (12) month period.
• Evaluates the need for ministry when requested.
• Provides information about community resources.
• Coordinates with area churches.
• Maintains records on all persons applying for assistance and the assistance provided.
• Reports to the Ministerial Union and the Mission Board of Directors on the progress of the Clearing House Program.
The function of the Clearing House, including its administration, record keeping, and financial matters; contributions and expenditures are separate and distinct from that of the Mission, both in principal and in practice.
The contributions from the surrounding area for the Clearing House are used only to assist the qualified needy of the contributing areas. (Houston County, Eastern Dale County, Southern Henry County)
Project CARE
The Project Care program began in January, 1987 and is administered by the Dothan Rescue Mission for the City of Dothan utility users who have an emergency situation. Utility customers are asked to give $1.00 a month, which is added to their utility bill. The City of Dothan sends a monthly check to the Dothan Rescue Mission. Utility customers in the City of Dothan needing assistance must present and electric and/or water bill in their name or spouse’s name, I.D., and verification of emergency (either on paper or a call by caseworker, pastor, etc., who can verify). Assistance is given only once in a twelve (12) month period to any one client or household. The mission gives payments directly to the City of Dothan. Utility charges for deposits and returned check charges are not authorized by this program and are the responsibility of the utility customer. Usually reconnections are not paid.
Payments to assist clients are not limited by program guidelines and therefore, the amount of assistance provided will be at the discretion of the program administrator.
Qualifications for Assistance
Any or all of the following items will be necessary to establish eligibility for assistance.
I. Two ID’s on all adults in the home.
II. Utility Bill (must be in client’s name) indicating account name and service dates
III. Proof of income
a. Employment verification, check stubs, lay off notice, etc.
b. Copy of Client Record from Food Stamp Office (If you receive food stamps)
IV. Lease agreement
V. You must show loss of income.
VI. It must be 12 months between times of financial assistance.
Type of Assistance
Medications
Social agencies, schools, health facilities, or churches refer clients. Purchase of medicines, such as antibiotics, heart medicine, blood pressure control, diabetic medicines, etc., will be considered on an individual basis – normally not to exceed $50.00.Eye Glasses, Hearing Aids, Limb Braces, Etc.
Usually, the client is referred by school nurses, case workers, pastors, etc., who know the situation first hand. The Mission will participate with other agencies or churches to obtain a necessary item.Rent
Client must verify that they are in a critical situation of possibly being evicted if rent is not paid. The Landlord will be contacted to establish relationship with tenant and the amount actually owed. Payment is made to the Landlord.Mortgage Payment
Client must present a foreclosure notice or warning notice of foreclosure in order for the Clearing House to consider assistance.Fuel for Automobiles
A minimum of $7.50 in fuel is given to clients who can prove ownership of auto and a valid driver’s license. Client should express specific need for assistance; such as job interview, medical appointment, etc. Transients passing through Dothan on their way to obtain work elsewhere are assisted. If there is a family needing assistance who are transients, a maximum of $25.00 in fuel is given. All fuel is given through fuel vouchers at a designated service station. Fuel assistance is usually only given once.