City Mission: repair, rebuild, restore
Bunk beds line the walls in the sleeping quarters in the temporary modular units homeless men are now using until repairs can be made to the fire-damaged Washington City Mission.
The kitchen of the Washington City Mission was heavily damaged by fire.
The mission’s dormitory has been uninhabitable since the June 9 fire.
The dormitories of Washington City Mission’s mobile unit are adorned with objects of comfort. In residence for about three weeks, the homeless men who rely on the organization for shelter found a place for blankets, pillows and toiletries.
“They really love it here,” said Dr. Sally Mounts, City Mission director of development. More than 40 residents moved into the space Aug. 3. But the modular home, located at Washington and West Beau streets adjacent to the mission’s Hidden Treasures thrift store, can accommodate up to 56 people.
In addition to dormitory space, the trailer units provide restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and a large recreation room.
For now, the men who were displaced by a June 9 fire at the mission’s main building at 84 W. Wheeling St. have a steady place to lie their heads. After sleeping on cots, bunk bed mattresses are a welcome upgrade, Mounts said.
The long-term temporary solution will be used for about a year. Now, that the immediate need of shelter has been met, the mission is focusing on phase two of its master plan: construction of a new dormitory for homeless men in the old donation center on West Wheeling Street. Full plans also include construction of a two-story connector between the chapel and old donation center, renovation of the recycling space on the lower level into a kitchen and dining space, renovation of the chapel into counseling offices, classrooms and training support spaces, a new elevator and fire sprinkler system.
Washington Planning Commission will discuss site plans during a public meeting at City Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, the first step in rebuilding.
Mounts credited city officials and residents with keeping the mission operational.
“They have been wonderful to us and understand there’s an emergent need,” she said.
In addition to The Bible Chapel allowing the mission to serve meals at its building and Washington School District’s use of the high school cafeteria temporarily for sleeping, many organizations have donated time, money and food since the fire.
Those donations have helped with the continuation of many services, including recovery programs and vocational assistance.
Until renovations are complete, the mission will serve 300 meals daily from the Masonic Lodge, 44 W. Wheeling St.
Jon DePoe, secretary of Sunset Lodge No. 623, said the facility is used by more than 700 members from nine different lodges. He said the newly updated kitchen will serve the mission well.
“We have the facility in such close proximity to them and we’re thrilled to have them in there. It’s a great thing,” DePoe said. “We’re glad to be of service. That’s what Masons do.”
Future endeavors of the City Mission include a 22-bed veterans center and renovation of Avis Arbor women and children’s shelter.
“We’re doing a lot of building,” Mounts said.
To make a donation to Washington City Mission, visit www.citymission.org or call 724-222-8530.