Reaching Out, Offering Hope and Help to People Living on The Streets
Enhancing the services we provide on our campus in the heart of Trenton, The Mission is also reaching out to people living on the streets – meeting them where they are – with two innovative ways to help:
Mission Outreach
Six days a week, driving to where people struggling with addiction are known to congregate, our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (professionals who have lived experience) use harm reduction strategies to offer everyone they meet a cup of coffee, something to eat, a caring conversation – and, if the individual is ready, medication to help with recovery, access to healthcare, and shelter from their personal storms.
Mission Outreach Van Hours
- Mondays to Fridays: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
- Sundays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chalia Perry, one of the Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, approaches someone on a rainy street and talks in a kind voice, calling him by name. Chalia and her team travel six days a week in The Mission’s Outreach Van to some of the places in Trenton where people struggling with addiction are known to congregate, letting them know that someone cares – and that we are here.
Open Access
The Mission, in partnership with other like-minded community partners, has created a confidential and empathetic environment staffed with medical professionals to assist individuals in obtaining free medication to help with withdrawal and counseling to begin their addiction recovery journey.
Hours & Location of Open Access
- The Shelter: 89 Ewing Street, Trenton, NJ
- Open Every Day: 6:00 am – 7 :00 pm
- Or call 609.695.1436 ext. 142 and Alyese will be more than glad to help you.
When Matthew came to The Shelter, Alyese Patterson, Manager of Care Coordination, asked him if he was interested in recovery. And, he said, “Yes. Please.” Remembering, he added, “And I wanted to cry. She saved my life.”
