Veterans Coming Home Center
A Division of New Life Evangelistic Center
We Provide These Essential Services
Matthew 25:40
Matthew 25:40
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Day Shelter
Whether it's scorching heat, freezing rain or heavy snow the homeless are welcome to escape from inclement weather in our shelter. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for homeless veterans and civilians who are forced to live on the streets. Our building is an established community where we strive to support our brothers and sisters in any way we can. We do this by accepting anyone no matter where they're at in life.
Proverbs 22:29
Proverbs 22:29
29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Computer Access
We provide computers for job applications, housing applications and connecting with family. Having the ability to access the internet when living on the streets is vital to taking steps to help ones self. It's easy to lose a phone and not have any way to reach out to those that can help you most. Even getting a library card to access public computers can be difficult when you are homeless.
Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 16:24
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Receive Mail
A homeless individual can put our day shelter as their mailing address. This essential service helps men and women receive important documents and other critical information. You cannot apply for a job, housing or federal benefits if you don't have an address. They can send and receive mail Monday through Saturday throughout year.
Luke 12:15
Luke 12:15
15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Lockers
We provide lockers for both men and women. This is a central location where they can securely lock up personal items. One thing that most people don't think about is how hard it is to drag around all your possessions. Living on the streets forces you to downsize your belongings to the bare minimum. Lockers are really hard to come by when you're homeless and theft is quite common when living on the streets.
Isaiah 44:3
Isaiah 44:3
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
Showers
We provide showers for men and women on a daily basis. Cleanliness is an important part of human dignity. When you become homeless, it's much harder to have a daily routine of cleanliness. Providing showers gives back a small portion of respect for yourself. There are places few and far between where a homeless man or woman can clean themselves in a proper way.
Exodus 19:10
Exodus 19:10
10 the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments
Laundry
The first judgment made on a person's character is based on the cleanliness and style of their clothes. Because this is part of human nature, the homeless are often stigmatized for their dirty clothing. Having access to laundry services is really important for many reasons. Having clean laundry also gives human dignity back to the homeless.
James 2:14-18
James 2:14-18
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Meals
We provide breakfast and lunch every Monday through Friday, and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Eating a free meal is not only encouraging for the homeless, but in some cases even lifesaving. As the only day shelter in Springfield, we consistently provide meals for those who don't have anything.
Luke 12:33-34 ESV
Luke 12:33-34 ESV
33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Free Store
Our facility provides a wide range of necessary care items for the homeless. We
are only able to provide so much because of the constant gracious giving of local support. There
is always a need for certain items in our free store. Please refer to the giving page for more information.
Proberbs 24:5 ESV
Proberbs 24:5 ESV
5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.
Library
We have a fairly large selection of books in a secluded section of our building. This library is a free service that allows homeless to relax or learn from the books gifted to us. Books are an excellent way to learn a new skill, take your mind off other stresses or continue your education. This space is also a quiet place to pray or meet with other friends in private.
Jeremiah 30:17 ESV
Jeremiah 30:17 ESV
17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’
Rest Area
One of our major goals as a ministry is to provide a sanctuary for those who are cast out by society. At the VCHC we provide a rest area where homeless can watch TV, rest with friends and play board games. Our rest area is comfortable and safe and we welcome any to find sanctuary in our building.
Matthew 8:20 ESV
Matthew 8:20 ESV
20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Sleeping Area
Living on the streets can be exhausting. Being moved from area to area by the police and other occupants is frightening, stressful and burdensome. We provide an area where any can safely sleep throughout the day. Sleep is an all important part of surviving and when you're homeless it's hard to get sleep.