"When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome?
I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to the least of these brothers
and sisters of mine, you did it to me..."
--Matthew 25:40

Each year we open our hearts and facilities to the homeless community. What a privilege it is to invite our brothers and sister to stay with us in their time of need. Let's begin now in prayer with thanksgiving, and ask our Lord Christ jesus to prepare our hearts for this ministry.

You may contact our MCREST coordinator Rose Muir for further information at the main church number (586)293-6522

BRIEF STATEMENT OF MCREST MISSION AND GOALS

MCREST was founded to provide temporary shelter for the homeless in Macomb County who agree to remain alcohol and drug free during their time in the program. Participating Churches agree to open their facilities and their hearts to the homeless for a period of one week per year and provide a safe, clean environment from 6:00 p.m. each evening to 8:00 a.m. each morning. They further agree to provide: three meals per day, showers, and, when possible, laundry assistance and transportation, especially for those who are working. MCREST works with other service organizations in attempting to enable guests to plan for and implement permanent solutions to their situation.

While our dream is to no longer be needed because every person has a home, our experience over the years has taught us that the homeless will be with us for a long time to come. Our goals, therefore, are to be able to provide shelter throughout the year and to provide as many beds as needed for the homeless in Macomb County. Although we provide shelter for 35 to 60 persons almost every night, we are usually full and must turn people away. In May of 1998 MCREST moved into its own building at 145 Colonial Court, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. We have two full-time and one part-time Case Workers, a Program Information Specialist, an Executive Director and most recently, a part-time Case Manager to work with the participants in our Choose A Path (CAP) program. The CAP program is a 90-day program for up to ten participants who work with our Case Manager to set goals and reach outcomes towards self-sufficiency. Measurable outcomes for this program reached 42% for those who obtained housing. The norm is 15% for an emergency shelter.

Visit MCREST web site: www.mcrest.org/

MCREST (Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team)

BRIEF STATEMENT OF MCREST MISSION AND GOALS