Approximately how many people could Our Daily Rest help annually?
The facility itself can accommodate twenty single men and as many as ten women and their children. Assuming an average stay of six weeks for men and up to six months for women and their children, we can serve up to 180 every year. Of course, once on their feet and re-integrated into the community, there is no telling how many more individuals they will then help. 

How will Our Daily Rest ensure a secure environment?
Security cameras inside and outside the facility will monitor activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All access doors are monitored and electronically secured.

Will Our Daily Rest also provide emergency shelter?
Yes. The men’s and women’s/children’s common areas can be converted to additional sleeping areas to provide emergency shelter for those who seek it.

What is the screening process for admitting people into Our Daily Rest?
Our admittance process, not yet formalized, will require all adults seeking admittance to take a breathalyzer test and turn over all medications or drugs before being admitted.  

What will be the duration of stay at Our Daily Rest?
We anticipate the average stay for a man will be 30 to 45 days. For a woman with children the transition time could take up to six months.

What if a client requires more time to transition?
Each case will be reviewed individually to make a final determination of the actual length of stay required to transition an individual.

How will Our Daily Rest be staffed?
A full-time Executive Director will mange the day-to-day operations of the facility. Two full-time caseworkers, one for men and another for women, will work with residents. A full time Administrative Assistant will manage the office. Other positions will be staffed on a volunteer basis, as needed.

How will Our Daily Rest engage volunteers?
We are fortunate to have the support of a number of local churches and their congregants, many of whom have already come forward to offer their time and energy. Once the facility nears completion, we will begin a community-wide volunteer recruitment campaign to engage others.   

How will Our Daily Rest hold residents accountable for transitioning to a productive and independent life?
A formal client handbook will serve as our contract with our residents. It will outline the requirements for remaining in the shelter and our expectations of what they will do in order to transition out. Each adult client will be required to sign a statement acknowledging they have read and understand the requirements and expectations.  Failure to comply will be grounds for removal from the facility.

Can former residents be readmitted to the facility?
Yes, but we seek to effect lasting change. If, after their initial transition, individuals wish to return, they must wait 60 days before re-applying. After completing the program a second time, clients must wait 90 days.  No one will be readmitted after their third stay.

How will Our Daily Rest transition clients?
During their stay, clients will undergo job training and counseling. Working with local businesses, Our Daily Rest will offer job placement assistance to help transition individuals back into the workforce. Working with the Upstate Homeless Coalition, we will also help secure transitional housing in the area.

How will Our Daily Rest incorporate a spiritual component into our environment?
Complete rehabilitation requires spiritual attention as well physical help. Partnering with area churches of various denominations, we will provide prayers services, bibles, and spiritual counseling to clients.

How will Our Daily Rest coordinate programs & services so that it does not duplicate the efforts of churches and other agencies?
There is currently no other local agency addressing the needs of transitional homeless. That said, our case workers will utilize other area agencies whenever possible in order to address these specialized needs. For example, in addressing food and clothing needs of  clients, we may call on Golden Harvest Food bank and the Upstate Homeless Coalition for assistance.  

How will Our Daily Rest provide for ongoing funding?
Construction for the facility itself will be paid for with multi-year pledges that are in the process of being solicited and secured. We will meet our operating expenses with the help of grants, private donations and corporate contributions. Key grant partners include the Upstate Homeless Coalition, the South Carolina Housing Authority, and selected private foundations that have already indicated their support. Our grassroots base is anchored by the clergy and congregants of the area churches that were instrumental in founding Our Daily Rest.