Helping Hands: How the Fort Collins Rescue Mission is combating homelessness and how you can too

By Erin Douglas on Medium

This interview took place over email with Ellie Petrik of the Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Petrik answered questions on the goals and actions of the Fort Collins Rescue Mission as well as how others in the community can get involved.

Ellie Petrik is the Community and Event Specialist at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Petrik returned to Colorado after a few years away pursuing a completely different career path and joined the mission after a recommendation from a friend. Since joining FCRM a year ago Petrik has worked on connecting the community with the mission and its goals. Her love for the mission has since grown and she has been captivated by the humility and servant-hearted nature of her co-workers, volunteers and community supporters.

1. According to your website, 353 people are experiencing homlessness in Fort Collins. What are some of the biggest reasons for this problem based on your experience with the FCRM?

The Mission sees many individuals walk through our doors every single day. These individuals are all unique and their reasons for becoming homeless are personalized to their own stories and backgrounds. We do see some common themes for individuals becoming homeless. These reasons include, but are not limited to: the price of living vs. income, mental health, domestic violence, job loss, alcohol and substance abuse

1. 39 percent of the Fort Collins homeless population can be classified as chronically homeless, what defines someone as chronically homeless?

Chronic homelessness is someone who has been experiencing homelessness for 1 year or more, typically quite a long time.

1. What are some of the services you provide at FCRM?

At Fort Collins Rescue Mission we provide Emergency Services (food, shelter, clothing, basic medical care), Transitional Programs (Star Transitional Program, Steps to Success), Permanent Housing Assistance (Star and Steps), Community Outreach (Food, clothing, and community events)

1. What are these programs you offer? Are they offered at all shelters and missions?

We are under the umbrella of Denver Rescue Mission and operate under the same 501c3 license. Denver Rescue Mission has many operations and offers many programs. The Northern Colorado facilities are: Fort Collins Rescue Mission Meals, shelter and transitional program for men and women [during COVID-19 we have been serving men only], Harvest Farm, New Life Program for men in a rural setting — rehabilitation and transitional program.

1. What kind of success have you seen in your mission?

We’ve provided more than 94,000 meals, 48,000 nights of shelter, 51 new life program graduates and 86 percent of the graduates maintained housing after graduation.

1. On your website you say “the lasting solution is finding the root cause”, what is that root cause? And how does your mission help?

This is similar to finding out the reason an individual is experiencing homelessness. It is specified to the individual and all are unique. Finding the ‘root cause’ is best found by getting to know the individual and hearing their story. Our frontline staff are always looking to do so and find the best ways they can support our guests.

1. Can homelessness in Fort Collins be solved, or will there always be a homeless population?

Just as the reasons for homelessness vary and are unique to the individual, the answer to solving homelessness is complex. We believe in coming alongside people experiencing poverty and homelessness, empathizing with their situation and speaking truth into their lives — that they are worthy, valued and created in the image of God. We can’t give a definitive and specific reason for solving homelessness but will continue to do our very best to serve those experiencing it.

1. What are the best ways to help? Volunteering? Donating? Etc?

We can’t do what we do without the help of the community. Volunteer opportunities are always up on our website. Sign-up to help prepare a meal, serve a meal, sort donations etc. Opportunities to become a Change Maker or long term volunteer are available. We are always accepting donations. Visit this website for specific items and ways to donate: https://fortcollinsrescuemission.org/ways-to-give/

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