Two contributing factors that affect the homeless population in Daviess County are in step with the state: alcohol and drug addiction. The Boulware Mission and its staff are helping combat addiction and homelessness with the mission to help addicts become productive members of society.
The mission, which has been a staple of the Owensboro community for almost 100 years, provides services and shelter for the homeless community year-round.
Clients at the Boulware Mission are provided with three meals per day, emergency clothing, personal hygiene items, secure shelter, case management services, outreach, advocacy and referrals to local and regional resources.
Executive director Leigha Taylor described the Boulware Mission as a shelter that specializes in treatment. Approximately 60 men live at the refuge with about 45 of them in the treatment program..
“It’s not a job, it’s a mission,” Taylor said. “We don’t do it for the pay, we do it because it’s our passion. It’s a way to help people. It’s what God put on our hearts to do.”
Money from the United Way, local and federal grants, churches and other organizations and private contributors pay for the cost of daily operations and services. Clients pay a small fee to attend the licensed treatment program.
Harold Richardson, director of addiction services, said he sees a wide range in the types of people who need help from them.
“Addiction comes from every socio and economic background,” he said. “I’ve been recovered for 31 years and I came from an awesome, upper middle class family and I still ended up in the streets of east St. Louis. Addiction is everywhere.”
Richardson said it is gratifying to be able to see people who have come through the mission and its programs and see where they are now — recovering and contributing members of society. Considering some people come to the mission as chronic addicts, he said recovery is huge.
“I’ve seen what the place has done for the community,” he said. “We tell them when they first arrive — your job is to not be homeless in a year. You don’t get to leave when you want to leave, if you live here there has to be a plan.”
The plan for clients starts with recovering from addictions.
Richardson said the staff at Boulware help the clients get housing, learn how to balance a checkbook and apply for disability, if needed.
“Sometimes it’s the simple things they don’t understand,” he said. “We are helping them obtain life skills.”
Richardson said for him, the job is his way to give back.
“Somebody did it for me and someone will do it after I’m gone for the next person,” he said.
During the holidays, most of the clients have families or friends who include them for feasting and fellowship. But for those who have nowhere to go, the mission is open and ready to celebrate.
On Christmas Eve the mission hosts a party with presents, games and food. Christmas day there will be a hot meal and the chance to be surrounded by others.
“We have a handful who do not have anybody or anywhere to go, so for them, we are their family,” Taylor said. “We are the place they are going to go. We have people who are on their own, but this is still home for them, so this where they come for the holidays.”
“It’s family and a zone of safety for them,” Richardson added.
For more information or to make a donation to the Boulware Mission call 270-683-8267.
