New Space Encourages New Ideas
Crisis Ministries‘ new building is rapidly taking shape these days.
The ceremonial “topping out” truss ready to be placed at Crisis Ministries’ new building.
This new facility, including a men’s shelter with designated beds for homeless veterans, a new kitchen and dining room, and additional administrative offices, will enable Crisis Ministries to expand their efforts to end homelessness.
For several years, Crisis Ministries staff, board members, and volunteers have been exploring successful, innovative programs that address homelessness all around the country. In 2011, GreenBy3’s Jorge Riano was part of a delegation from Crisis Ministries that visited FareStart in Seattle Washington.
Founded in 1992, FareStart provides homeless and disadvantaged people with life skills, job training, and employment in the food service industry. Partnering with local chefs and restaurants, participants learn to cook and manage commercial restaurant operations.
The FareStart restaurant, open for business one night a week, is a popular dining spot in Seattle. On each “open to the public” night, program participants work under the tutelage of a local guest chef and community volunteers are the wait staff and hostesses.
Recent program reports indicate FareStart is serving 750 individuals a year (including a new barista training program for young people) and more than 80% of program graduates secure living-wage employment in the food service and hospitality industries.
This is but one example of a creative, new approach to homelessness and poverty. Crisis Ministries is looking forward to all the opportunities their new physical space will open to them.
Tagged: Crisis Ministries, Innovative Partners, Jorge Riano
