I used to volunteer with this organization. Seeing some of the negative reviews with this…read moreorganization, I thought I'd share some observations. First, I've seen while working here that during a blizzard, people walk back out into the freezing cold and blowing snow, when told about all the rules and regulations they'd have to adhere to, such as for the first six months, you have to go to classes to learn how to manage money, or a list of jobs within the mission, mostly janitorial duties. Moreover, going to chappel on Thursdays, which although is mandatory, it's a small price to pay if you're given a place to sleep and learning life-skills such as personal finances, being on time for classes, and how to do manual labor to keep the building you live, eat, and sleep in, clean. So many people have left this organization with a job (after six months of working, if you still can't find affordable housing, the organization has rooms you can rent until you do). So, think of this place as a mini-basic training for life. You learn to make your bed, clean up after yourself, respect for yourself and others. Learn to be on time to classes and scheduled work details. In the end, you'll leave with job and other financial skills that people never receive and always are one paycheck away from being homeless. If you're on the street, and you need to desperately start over in life, this place is a great place to start. But, it won't be easy.

I really wanted to do something nice for Christmas that was truly just giving, and so I organized…read morean event with some family members to serve food to those who are less fortunate. I worked with Paulette who is the volunteer coordinator for the mission for both men's and women's location. I was at the Men's location, and the lobby is truly nice with contemporary furniture. I was surprised, but now I understand being that many furniture factories are located in Holland. The place is very clean and well kept, and it was great to see their living areas and how their beds were all made. There aren't alot of personal touches since the place is set up to be a temporary place to support them. The guys there seemed so appreciative of our help and gave us a round of applause, and the tour was nice as well.