Tacoma Rescue Mission's Jefferson Square
Jefferson Square is a 42 unit Single Room Occupancy (SRO) studio apartment building serving low-income, special needs population, who are willing to remain drug and alcohol free. Service needs are met through case management in cooperation with several other agencies.
Jefferson Square, My Home
I am a 52 year old man with grown children and a wife. One evening after a fight over another man, I was asked to leave my home. I refused, stating that this was my house and I work and pay all the bills. My wife then called the police, and they advised me to let things simmer down and come back in the morning. My wife would not give up the car keys, so I ended up taking a taxi to a motel. I arrived the next day about 11am to find my clothes by the curb. My wife, who threatened to call the police, did not allow me in my own house.
I got back in the cab and said, "I don't know what to do, nor where to go."
I had only two dollars in my pocket, and no other resources. The cab driver asked me where I wanted to go. Knowing that I had no idea, he suggested that he take me down to the Tacoma Rescue Mission.
I asked, "What is that?"
The driver answered, "It's a place where you can go till you get back on your feet . . . they will give you a place to sleep, and will feed you."
"You don't understand," I said, "I don't even have the money to pay you all that I owe you. How can I pay anyone for room and board."
The driver proceeded to tell me that it was all free, which was hard from me to believe. He told me to gather up my stuff and he'd take me to the Mission.
When I got to the Emergency Men's Shelter at the Mission I was directed to a man named Bryan. Well, I tell you I was beside myself at how well I was treated. I stayed at the Mission for approximately two months, in which Bryan and the staff where able to help me start a new life. That is when I moved in the Jefferson Square Apartments.
At Jefferson Square, I found a home and a family. The apartment was very clean, as is the rest of the building. Everyone treated me like I was a very important part of things. The manager (Elizabeth) has an open door policy, so I feel free to just walk in and ask questions. There are always great things happening. There are parties, AA meetings, resident meetings, and dinners for all the holidays. I got my first birthday card ever this year from Elizabeth and the staff. She bakes cakes for each and every one of our birthdays.
I have some credit now, and a little bank account. I hope I can get a job in the future, when my doctor allows it. I can't even think what might have happened to me, or where I would be today if not for the Tacoma Rescue Mission and Jefferson Square.
I thank God every day for that cab driver who took me to a place of God. I hope everyone gets a chance to know about all the Mission facilities and all the many great things they offer the public. I also hope people will get to know the great, caring, God-loving people who work for the Mission, as well as all the great residents at my Jefferson Square home.
A little side note. I paid the cab driver and took him out to dinner about two months ago. I told him how grateful I was to him. He commented that when he first came to Tacoma, he had stayed at the Mission for three weeks while he was looking for a job. "I knew they would take care of you," he said.
May the Good Lord look down on the Mission and give it all the help and love it needs as it gives help to all the people of Tacoma.
God Bless you all.