By Dr. Chad Audi

This summer, I was proud to witness a “New Beginning” for nearly 400 people graduating from the recovery programs at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). And what a celebration it was! The graduates were formerly homeless, addicted or disadvantaged and had remained drug- and alcohol-free for at least 90 days. Some of the graduates completed DRMM’s transitional housing program or obtained a GED. Our educational partners, such as Wayne County Community College District, helped the graduates gain a variety of skills in areas such as computer hardware and software, culinary arts, residential wiring, customer service, Web and graphic design, video production and landscaping.

A particularly emotional highlight of this year’s ceremony was the presentation of a car to DRMM graduate Stephen Day. Stephen was moved to tears as I presented him with keys to a 1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible that had been donated to the Rescue Mission. The crowd joined in Stephen’s joy and excitement by rising to their feet in thunderous applause. Stephen received the automobile as a reward for making such a tremendous change in his life.

Let me tell you about Stephen’s amazing story. As a teenager, he was an alcoholic and later a crack cocaine addict. Despite his addictions, he graduated from high school, attended trade schools, and held jobs as a machinist and truck driver. But his life fell apart when began to experience blackouts and DUI arrests. He lost his truck driver job and became homeless. Repeated attempts at sobriety failed until Stephen came to the Detroit Rescue Mission last year. His transformation began with substance abuse treatment at our Christian Guidance Center (CGC). Today, Stephen has completed a year of college, made the dean’s list, and received an invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He works full-time as a resident specialist at a DRMM facility and has paid off outstanding tickets in order to get his driver’s license reinstated. Stephen is pursuing a degree in mental health services.

Isn’t this proof that everyone deserves a New Beginning?

By Dr. Chad Audi

Over time, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) has been subjected to attack for many reasons. First, because we believe in God and secondly,  because of our success helping people in our community. The third reason is because we don’t ask people in our programs for anything in return, except that they become good citizens and productive members of the community. The fourth is that we have succeeded for over 100 years, as evidenced by the testimonies of those we have helped. We have seen that what works best for many people in a bad situation (whether they are homeless, addicted, in a violent domestic situation or engaged in criminal behavior) is to have something in their lives to look forward to that we call God, in addition to surrounding them with a very good support system that we call a church, without forcing anything on them.

DRMM, in its 100 years of service of helping people in the community, has provided food, shelter, housing, substance abuse treatment, health services, prevention and intervention programs for youth, permanent housing, job training, educational opportunities ranging from GED completion to college diplomas, résumé building, employment placement, summer camping, and on-the-job training.

We have helped men and women, children and youth, seniors and infants, people of all races and ages, literally from cradle to grave. Some have been only temporarily homeless due to circumstances while others have been chronically homeless. Among them have been military veterans, regular citizens, the mentally ill, substance abusers, alcoholics and prostitutes. All of them have been worthy of our best efforts.

DRMM is an organization of choice that never neglects anybody and does not turn anybody away because of race, religion, color, creed, gender, origin, weight, political beliefs or sexual preference. No matter what their situation is, DRMM has been there to address their needs and stands by them to help them become a productive citizen in our community.

We have grown over the years from being a small shelter and soup kitchen to becoming one of the largest social service organizations of its kind. We grew from helping maybe ten people a day in 1909 to helping almost 1,300 people a day in 2009. This does not even include hundreds of others who were helped by the distribution of food boxes, clothes and furniture.

Eventually, DRMM had to go in all directions to secure funds to be able to support the growing needs of the people who come to our doors. For this reason, the budget has grown from hundreds of dollars a year in 1909 to $18 million in 2009. In the beginning, we relied only on the generosity of certain individuals. Today we rely on the generosity of tens of thousands of people, as well as money allocated by our government for specific social services, which was made possible because of constitutional protection supporting freedom of speech and religion.

The most recent threat to the work we have been blessed to do has come to us from an organization by the name of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. There was a recent news release saying that because DRMM is a Christian organization, we should not be funded by the government.

Ignoring all the good DRMM has accomplished through our 100 years of existence, they have also ignored all the facts that we do not discriminate against anybody because of religion or other factors. We do not force religion on people or use government funds to purchase or pay for any religious activities. We are very proud of being a faith-based organization. As a matter of fact, we believe God is the secret to our success and is definitely the motivation for our service.

We are not dropping our faith for the Americans United for Separation of Church and State. We plan to continue for as long as possible to provide social services using government funds under the protection of the Constitution of the United States which grants equal rights to all citizens of this country.

DRMM has never and will never force religion on anybody. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe that you should. Jesus Christ spoke the truth, but left the decision as to whether to believe His claims to the individual. Religion must be an individual personal choice. DRMM’s role is to make the choice available to them and support them. We thank God who continues to bring our way faithful individual donors as well as corporations and foundations who allow us to use their money to teach people about God without tapping into any government funding.

My challenge today for people like the Americans United for Separation of Church and State is, “What have you done to help people? What have you done to protect them from their own wrongdoing? What solutions do you bring to the table to meet the needs of people in need? Are you just there to stop organizations with a proven success record of showing love and compassion and preserving the dignity and respect of others?”

Know this, we will continue to do our work, confident in our ability and understanding that the Constitution, laws and federal guidelines permit us to do so. Because we believe in God, we are loyal people and good stewards of all the money coming to our hands. We are accountable because God taught us to be so. You don’t have to worry about us. But we do worry about you. We worry about your intentions and goals and motivation.

But, by God’s grace we will be blessed to do what God wants us to do and, definitely, you will be in our prayers.

By Dr. Chad Audi

Every year around Memorial Day when our country salutes its armed forces, I think about the unfortunate struggles that many war veterans face upon returning from duty. Especially with the recent economic downturn, veterans in need of assistance are in a more precarious position than before.

Recently, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and state lawmakers cut funding by 25 percent for groups that help war veterans get through the paperwork and bureaucracy when applying for federal disability and pension benefits. The budget cuts are forcing these organizations to eliminate jobs. The same situation is occurring in other states including Ohio, Illinois and South Carolina.

Here at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we bestow the utmost respect for all nation’s war heroes, and especially those who seek our services. The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology reports that 33 percent of returning soldiers, marines and their families are likely to have significant bouts with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Twenty percent will suffer from traumatic brain injuries. These psychological problems can often lead to substance abuse and homelessness.

Service organizations like ours are greatly needed to help returning war veterans get medical care, benefits, and other assistance. DRMM’s Veterans Independence Project provides transitional housing, job training, social and medical services, and educational programs to homeless men and women who have served our country. The Detroit field office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is our partner in these efforts to reintegrate the veterans into society.

We salute our brave men and women of the U.S. military!

By Dr. Chad Audi 

Here in Detroit, we’re doing something unique and innovative. And I believe it can work in any city or town. The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) has partnered with another local non-profit organization, Think Detroit PAL (Police Athletic League), to help each other —and the City of Detroit — this summer.

Think Detroit PAL is a youth sports program that attracts 12,000 Detroit-area children each year. The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is a non-profit that provides shelter, food, treatment, clothing, job training and other services for thousands of homeless, addicted and disadvantaged individuals and families. Together, we are having a huge impact on the community.

DRMM’s vocational training programs include a class on lawn service and landscaping. Clients enrolled in this course learn valuable skills that can help them earn a living or become an entrepreneur. Local businesses have helped us secure lawn mowers and other equipment to enable the men to learn the trade. The course includes hands-on mowing lessons on the grounds of DRMM’s facilities.

The Think Detroit PAL partnership takes the training program to the next level. Earlier this month, we began cutting grass and cleaning up at five parks owned by the city and used by the kids in the Think Detroit program. We will continue to provide this service throughout the summer at no cost to the City of Detroit, which has not been able to keep the parks maintained due to the severe budget crunch we are facing in Detroit.

So in the end, everyone benefits. The city parks look better. Kids are able to enjoy playing outdoor sports in the parks. Detroit Rescue Mission clients gain confidence and self-esteem from their newly-learned job skills, and they get a good feeling about what they are doing to help the kids enjoy the summer. And the City of Detroit gets free lawn service during this depressed economy.

See what’s possible when we help each other out?

By Dr. Chad Audi

Here’s an interesting question: If you had $15.2 million to help the homeless, how would you spend it? That’s the question being posed by the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department to local non-profit organizations and residents. The city plans to use the funds to establish a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to assist homeless individuals and families, as well as those at-risk of becoming homeless. Meetings were scheduled to solicit input from organizations serving the homeless about what they feel are the most critical areas of need.

Of course, the most vital needs for the homeless are immediate and adequate shelter and food. Our policy at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) is to never turn anyone away. Even though our beds may be filled to capacity, we still find ways to accommodate the homeless. Sometimes it means having them sleep in chairs, but it gets them off the streets and inside where it’s safe and warm. They receive nourishment for their body, mind and soul. The food, sermons, counseling and medical treatment work together to help get these individuals through a difficult time in their lives.

As you can imagine, there are a lot of expenses associated with providing these services to the thousands of people who come through our doors. Although we rely heavily on the generous donations of goods from our supporters, we still incur expenses for food, clothing and case managers. There are “hidden” costs as well, such as the utility bills for our numerous facilities, janitorial supplies, bedding, and the preparation of thousands of hygiene kits.

But regardless, our eye remains on the ultimate prize: To create productive citizens out of these individuals and get them back on their feet. So we have to find ways to get it done.

What would YOU do with the city funds to help the homeless?

By Dr. Chad Audi

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) has several facilities in the Detroit area that reach out to as many of the community’s homeless and disadvantaged as possible. Everything that we accomplish is due to the assistance and prayer of the people, businesses and organizations in the area. Without that support, DRMM would not be as comprehensive as it is today, and the less fortunate would not have the option of using our services to get back on their feet.

Our flagship men’s shelter is located in an area known as the Cass Corridor in Detroit. It’s surrounded by homes, schools, apartment buildings, businesses and other non-profit organizations. I’m proud to say we all help out each other in the area. We’re all good neighbors working together for the betterment of the community. And that’s so important these days. Unfortunately, due to the depressed economy, we are experiencing an increase in homelessness and the number of people needing assistance with food, shelter and clothing. That’s why hundreds from the community join us for a free dinner served at the shelter every night. Even some of the residents in the surrounding neighborhood stop by because they need a decent, nutritious meal and can’t afford one otherwise. We know the need for our services will continue. That’s why it’s important that communities band together to help those in desperate need and to help each other. DRMM has assisted the community for 100 years, and we will continue to do so for the next 100 years and more.

A recent Detroit Free Press article reported on a homeless shelter’s efforts to open new offices, a training center and showers in a suburban Detroit church building. A group of residents is threatening to sue to stop the move because they say such an operation does not belong in a residential neighborhood. This objection comes despite the shelter’s assertion that its homeless clients will not have overnight stays in the church building.

Interesting situation, isn’t it? I’d like to hear how you feel about organizations that help the homeless operating in residential neighborhoods, along with your ideas on how we all can work together to help each other as a community.

By Dr. Chad Audi

A 2007 survey of 23 cities — conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors — revealed 30% of the homeless population have a mental illness. According to the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, approximately 60% of chronically homeless people in the Detroit area have underlying issues of mental illness and/or substance abuse.

Mental disorders prevent people from doing everyday things like going to work and school or taking care of a home and family. The closings of psychiatric hospitals over several years, diminishing community-based programs and outpatient services, and a lack of affordable housing options leave the mentally ill with no place to go and no hope of getting better. Many are distrustful or too afraid to seek help and react irrationally toward those trying to help. This pushes them into a life on the streets. The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) reaches out to those with mental health issues by partnering with other agencies such as the Detroit Health Department to provide medical and social services assistance to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

A movie depicting mental health issues among the homeless opens in theaters later this month. “The Soloist” is based on a true story and features actor Jamie Foxx as a brilliant musician suffering from mental illness and homelessness. He is befriended by a Los Angeles Times columnist, played by Robert Downey Jr., who helps him fulfill his dreams. The movie promises to show how a seemingly hopeless life can be altered for the better.

Although there are many reasons why individuals end up living on the streets, mental illness is prevalent among the homeless population. People with mental disorders require ongoing access to treatment and rehabilitation services. They are human beings who should be treated with dignity and respect. As represented in “The Soloist,” many homeless people already have amazing skills that just need to be nurtured and enhanced. They simply require our support and encouragement.

By Dr. Chad Audi

In a recent blog, I mentioned the “tent city” in Sacramento, which has come to represent a particularly disturbing reality of our depressed economy. At last count, about 150 homeless people have set up tents along the banks of the American River. Now comes word that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is pledging to find state money to help Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson close the tent city and relocate the homeless to an expanded shelter on the state’s fairgrounds and to other local shelters and longer-term housing units. The cost to close the encampment by the end of April: $1 million.

Of course, the biggest concern among local and state officials is to make sure the homeless tent dwellers are moved to a safer, healthier environment where they have access to hot meals, fresh water and vital services. The tent city is being looked at as a new “symbol” of homelessness. It garnered even more national and international attention when Oprah Winfrey recently broadcast a segment about the encampment. Media from around the world converged on the tent city with cameras in tow. Many of the homeless did not understand what made their habitat such a “spectacle.” And believe it or not, some of the tent dwellers are reluctant to leave because they fear what type of environment they will be placed in, the rules they will have to follow, and what will happen after the fairgrounds shelter shuts down at the end of June.

This situation in California greatly illustrates the critical need for a permanent solution to homelessness. It is a chronic problem, further exacerbated by growing job layoffs and record home foreclosures. People are being pushed to the brink, finding themselves in situations they never imagined. At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we are focusing on this expanded makeup of the homeless population and how we can set things in motion for their futures by offering a more permanent solution. We cannot look away and pretend homelessness is not on the rise. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

By Dr. Chad Audi

Think about the last time you helped someone out. How did it make you — and the other person — feel? Chances are you experienced the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile and the person you helped was greatly appreciative.

The willingness to help others is a wonderful quality. God praises those who lend a helping hand. I get a good feeling knowing that the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) is helping someone in need every single day. Our country’s sinking economy is causing more and more people to come to our doors looking for a warm place to sleep and a hot meal to satisfy their hunger.

Reaching out to others is definitely one of the special qualities God looks for in His children. Flashing a simple smile and nodding hello to a stranger on the street, complimenting a co-worker, or volunteering your time at a non-profit organization like DRMM are just some of the little things you can do to show others you care. Believe me, it can make all the difference in the world.

Volunteering can also help change a life. Tutoring a young child increases the chances that he or she will have a promising future. Cooking meals for the homeless provides them with the physical strength to survive. And ministering to the disadvantaged will build up their self-worth and spirituality. In the end, lives are touched and you have done a good deed.

DRMM is blessed to have volunteers and donors helping us in our mission of rebuilding lives. For example, take a look at this video.

Are you willing to open up your heart and give of your time to help others? I guarantee your life will also change in the process.

By Dr. Chad Audi

You’ve heard the saying, “Children are our future,” but it’s getting increasingly difficult for kids to get the proper education and home life needed to become successful. In fact, many don’t even have a place to call home. A recent report from the National Center on Family Homelessness shows one of every 50 children in America experienced homelessness from 2005-2006. That means about 1.5 million children were impacted by homelessness at least once during that period. That’s astonishing!

The report indicates several states do not have adequate plans to address the problem of homeless children. And it’s a problem that is worsening because of foreclosures and job losses. The 2006 data show Hurricane Katrina was a major factor. Because of the upheaval caused by the catastrophic storm, Louisiana had the most homeless children per capita, followed by Texas and California.

Children are greatly affected by homelessness. He or she can have problems in school, making it hard for them to grasp the academic tools they need. The National Center on Family Homelessness report says homeless children are far more likely than other children to repeat a grade and drop out. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from hunger and chronic health problems.

The report shows a need for more homeless shelters that cater to families, along with more extensive state plans to curb child homelessness. It recommends increased federal spending on low-income housing, assistance to struggling renters and homeowners, and investment in child care for homeless children. At Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we provide entire families with shelter, food, clothes and medical assistance. We make sure the kids have access to academic, recreational and drug/alcohol prevention services.

Is it possible to end homelessness for all U.S. children? That’s a difficult question, but the entire country must begin to help these innocent victims.