We initially welcome anyone except unaccompanied children under the age of 18. A quick intake and pre-screen then includes a criminal background check done by the State Patrol, a UA drug test, a breath test for alcohol if appropriate, and first impressions regarding mental health. Results of those tests and observations determine if a person may stay overnight, and under what conditions. The current shelter is not equipped to deal with those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor with the severely mentally ill. In those cases, we refer to other service providers and do what we can to find more appropriate facilities or resources. We consistently bend over backwards to help whomever we can, even if they do not really fit our "criteria."

The Connection has six apartments for families with children. Not long ago we helped a family that had been forced out of their apartment due to rampant black mildew and other health issues. They brought with them a 4-year old girl as cute as a bug's ear. One afternoon while her parents were doing other things, she hung out in the office with one of our staff. Spontaneously she looked up at him and said, "Thank you for my room." It melted his heart, and it should melt yours. The shelter is here because of your big hearts, and is here to serve you.

Our mission is to provide the basic needs of the homeless and help each one move a step closer to home.

The Connection provides housing to about 325 clients a year. "Emergency" stays are for a few days or weeks and are designed to address urgent needs. "Transitional" stays are up to 2 years, for those who are willing to stay put long enough to build a foundation for a better future.

The single men's quarters accomodate up to 18 men in a dormitory setting and 7 in private bedrooms. The single women's area accomodates up to 3 women in dorm beds and 4 in private bedrooms. There are 6 apartments to serve families with children. Services include a warm, secure place to spend the night, a hearty breakfast and supper each day and proactive case management. The latter is an effort to help our clients face up to the issues that are contributing to their homelessness, deal with those issues and move on into appropriate housing.

We encourage long stays, since the only real way to stop homelessness is to stop the homeless. Those who are constantly on the move do not generally have the motivation, resources or networks necessary to build a solid foundation for the future. Our goal is to provide a sort of trusted "family" for those who are willing to stay put for a while and slowly rebuild their lives.