The Overnight Guest Program

• A safe place to stay free from some of the stress of uncertainty.
• Where will I sleep?
• What will I eat?
• Will I be safe?
• Will someone please help me?
• Medical care from local providers is available.
• Pastoral counsel and a Christian environment.
• Laundry services are free.

Guidelines for Overnight Guests

1. Return guests must sign in before 5:30 PM. Those who must come in late due to work or medical needs must call before 5:30 PM to get a late pass. Beds are assigned daily, so if you do not sign in or call in by 5:30 PM your bed may be assigned to someone else and you will be without a place to stay.
2. Guests must store their belongings in the space provided. If you leave and do not plan to return on the same day, please take all your belongings with you.
• If you do NOT return for more than three days, we will assume you do not want the things you left behind, and may dispose of them or find an alternative use for them.
• The Columbus Rescue Mission cannot be responsible for personal items stored here. We will try to keep them secure, but cannot give guarantees against loss, theft, or damage.
3. All guests must be out of bed and fully-dressed by 8:00 AM. All guests are required to shower daily. (Clean clothing/laundry services are available.) You must make your bed every morning and clean up your living area.
4. All unemployed guests must leave the Mission by 8:30 AM and you may return after 4:30 PM. You may return briefly to eat lunch. The Lead Staff Person ON DUTY may make rare exceptions.
5. Meal Times Are; Breakfast 7:00 AM, Lunch 12:00 PM, Supper 5:30 PM and evening snack time is 8:00 PM. Please, we are not a “short-order” kitchen. No food is to be prepared outside these set meal times. Absolutely NO food or drinks are allowed outside the kitchen/dining hall.
6. Overnight guests must remain on the property after signing in and may not leave the grounds except by the permission of the Lead Staff Person ON DUTY.
7. ALL OVERNIGHT GUESTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CHAPEL EVERY EVENING AT 7:30 PM.
8. All guests are expected to volunteer to help with the work around the Mission.
9. Guests are to be in their own sleeping rooms every night by 10:00 PM. Rare exceptions may be made by the Lead Staff Person ON DUTY. Guests may not enter others’ sleeping rooms.
10. No tobacco use in the building at any time. Tobacco use is only permitted outside the building. There is to be NO tobacco use or “hanging out” in front of the mission.
11. All medications MUST be turned in to a Staff Person to be locked up. Medications are given out at meal times and 9:00 PM.
12. Guests are to avoid conversations and other contact with persons of the opposite sex, on our property and in our neighborhood, except with permission of and in the presence of a Staff Person.
13. DO NOT GO NORTH ON 24TH OR 25TH AVE TOWARD THE MIDDLE SCHOOL OR RETURN THAT WAY!
14. The following will be cause for being barred from the Columbus Rescue Mission.
• Going north on 24th or 25th Avenues or returning to the mission from the north on either of these avenues.
• Intoxication, especially if it leads to unacceptable behavior.
• Possession of alcohol, drugs, pornography, or weapons.
• Vandalism of property, either the Mission’s or its guests’.
• Abusive, violent or disrespectful behavior toward staff, guests,or visitors. This includes the use of profanity.
• Repeated conversations and/or contact with members of the opposite sex.
• Failure to cooperate with these guidelines or unwillingness to help around the Mission.
15. I AGREE TO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OR USE ANY ILLEGAL DRUGS WHILE STAYING AT THE MISSION.
16. Overnight guests may stay at the mission for two weeks. Extensions are available and even encouraged! To obtain an extension, you must be cooperative and display responsible progress towards independent living. All guests obtaining an extension must attend Sunday church, AND complete an assigned Bible study each week.