Church & Community

Working Without a Net

Quite often we will come into contact with people who are economically disadvantaged in a way that makes them ineligible for government programs. They are usually working in a low paying job or have been laid off from one.

Without intervention, they could easily end up on the street. It is generally accepted that the best cure for homelessness is prevention, and this is what we strive to help them with.

Restoring Balance

One method of help
we offer people suffering hardships is by making referrals for jobs, housing, and financial assistance.

We then offer them life skills training and mentoring. Our goal is their eventual emotional and financial independence from our programs and those of other social service agencies.

Mentoring

For everyone who asks for our help, whether they are on the street or not, we offer scripturally based mentoring to help them find a better way through life.

We look at all aspects of their lives and act as their coach and cheerleader.

We offer suggestions but leave the determinations to them, because we believe they are responsible for making their own decisions.

When people are able to do the hard work it takes to make changes, we celebrate with them.

We commit to mentor until that person doesn't need us anymore which could take up to five years.

Ideally, by that time, they will already be integrated into community as self-determining citizens, serving others, and no longer dependent on government or other resources.

City Gates Ministries