Macon Magazine

THE RESCUE MISSION OF MIDDLE GEORGIA e Rescue Mission's history makes clear the compassion shown by McGee and early organizers – Macon business leaders and the Rev. J. Robert Moon – and was born from their love for Jesus Christ and desire to practically share that love and his message. Most similar Macon groups are faith-based. For decades, the Rescue Mission was known as a men's homeless shelter providing beds, food and services downtown and on farmland outside the city. A move to Hazel Street expanded facilities and services for almost 20 years before the move to Zebulon Road in late 2019, the former site of the now- closed Hephzibah Children's Home. Along the way, more and more beds and services were added and included women and children. Eight years ago, Rescue Mission leaders decided that instead of concentrating on overnight and short-term sheltering, they would aim at longer-term help and "life recovery." "We had to pick an avenue we believed would serve people best," said Pat Chastain, president and CEO. "We were a homeless shelter, but now we have a long-term program aiming at life recovery. We use a program for structure but center everything on Jesus Christ. We're seeing success helping people escape the streets and overcome wounds that lead to behaviors that got them there." Chastain said the mission addresses traumas like neglect, abandonment and abuse ahead of the behaviors they cause. He said it costs $23,000 per person in the year-long program, all provided through donations, a thrift store on Napier Avenue and fundraising events. e Rescue Mission and a number of other Macon homeless groups don't use government funds. "We're all for people providing shelter and meeting short-term needs however they can, that's important, but our main goal is transformation and helping people get on their feet for good," Chastain said. A year after moving to Zebulon Road, and in light of COVID-19, Chastain said all programs are at or beyond what they would have been at Hazel Street's 50-bed capacity and are growing toward the 140-person capacity at the new facility. In 2019, the Rescue Mission admitted 159 people into programs providing 21,768 nights of shelter and 69,025 meals to residents. Additionally, 2,333 hygiene kits and snack packs were provided to people living homeless, and the organization fielded 5,692 crisis calls. Chastain said depending on what COVID-19 health guidelines are in place, the best way to understand what's being done is to arrange a visit, talk with people, attend a graduation celebration and discover how food, meals and services are being shared. LOAVES & FISHES MINISTRY OF MACON Jake Ferro is director at Loaves & Fishes, having taken over from long-time director Judy Sexton in mid-July amid the coronavirus pandemic. Seeing people gather at the ministry's Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard building, midway between downtown and the Salvation Army's facility, has become commonplace for drivers passing by. People gather for meals, groceries, monetary aid, numerous services and a friendly hello. In some form or fashion, they've done much the same for 52 years. Loaves & Fishes' goal to serve and improve the quality of life of CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: THE RESCUE MISSION OF MIDDLE GEORGIA, MACON OUTREACH, LOAVES & FISHES MINISTRY OF MACON AND MACON OUTREACH 68 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

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