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Homeless, not hopeless YOUR SUPPORT PROVIDES KENNETH WITH HOT MEALS AND SAFE SHELTER
LIVING IN light OF HIS LOVE
L E T T E R f rom the P R E S I D E N T
T HA NK YO U F O R YO UR HEART TO HELP THE H O M E LE S S
T
Rev. Glenn Cranfield | President and CEO
JOHN 8:12 NIV When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
ruck driver, office manager, business owner, contractor, engineer, accountant—name an occupation, and you will likely describe a guest staying at the Mission. Looking back at one’s life—seeing what could have been—and becoming aware of what was lost can be a terrible thing. Family, wife, children, friends, church, and possessions—all gone. At the Mission, the elderly population is ever increasing. Last year, roughly 20 percent of those we served were over the age of 55. Right now, our oldest guest is 82. The homeless who are elderly face a lack of shelter, adequate clothing, proper nutrition, increased medical problems, and especially isolation. In addition to the worsening of physical health caused by homelessness, the homeless elderly are also more likely to suffer from depression or dementia. Unfortunately, people who experience homelessness for long periods of time do not live as long as those who haven’t
IN THE HEAT
experienced it. In fact, some studies have suggested that the life expectancy of someone who is homeless is between 42 and 52 years, far below the country’s average expectancy of 78.6 years. What a sobering statistic. When Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, He didn’t exclude anyone. He was talking about the elderly, the mentally ill, the addicted, the lost, the hopeless—all of us. He deeply loves each of us regardless of our age, health condition, mental ability, income—in His eyes, we are all the same. And thanks to wonderful people like you, Nashville Rescue Mission extends that love and hope to the homeless and elderly in our community every day. Thank you for your continued support.
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As the temperature begins to rise in Nashville, so does the need for items to help the homeless beat the heat. You can help Nashville’s homeless receive hope by donating our most requested summer needs: Bottled Water New Socks New Underwear Deodorant
Baby Wipes Hats Sunscreen Lip Balm
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FOR DONATION DROP OFFS:
616 7th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37203 Open: Monday – Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 02
Heart of the Mission | May 2018
MISSION IN MY
words
MATTY MULLINS
FRONTMAN FOR MEMPHIS MAY FIRE
If you know me, you know that I’m a hope enthusiast. There’s nothing more exhilarating to me than seeing the ways God is actively using his children here on earth to share eternal hope with the masses. God is constantly revealing himself to me, and this time it all started with a bunch of combs—odd I know, but bear with me. I started a hair product company a couple of years ago called On Point Pomade. We had a surplus of about 2,000 combs at the end of 2017, so I asked around to find out which homeless shelter would have the best use for them. I quickly heard back from multiple people recommending Nashville Rescue Mission. I was familiar with the name but had never learned about all that they do. I made a call and was so happy to find out they would be able to use the combs in the hygiene packs they offer to anyone who stays there. They invited me down to drop off the combs and take a tour of their campus. While walking the halls and hearing the statistics and success stories, I was floored by the
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SO NO MATTER WHAT OUR CURRENT SITUATION LOOKS LIKE, WE CAN KEEP OUR EYES ON JESUS AND KNOW THAT WE ARE KINGDOM BOUND!”
overwhelming amount hope that is being offered there in so many different ways. It was incredible to see it all in person, meet some staff, and hear about how they are serving those in need in the Nashville area. Seeing first hand the thousands of meals and shelter they provide EACH DAY for hundreds of people who stay there was enough to make me well up with tears of joy, but Nashville Rescue Mission is offering so much more than just food and shelter—education, freedom from addiction, and most importantly eternal life through a relationship with Christ! There’s a song on my most recent solo album called “The Best Is Yet To Come.” It’s about the assurance we have as 03
believers, knowing our future is not determined by our past or our present, but by the promises given to us by God. So no matter what our current situation looks like, we can keep our eyes on Jesus and know that we are Kingdom bound! I’ve thought about Nashville Rescue Mission every time I’ve sung that song since my visit. The Mission is serving “the least of these,” to provide them with what they need here and now, and to teach them biblical truths that extend far beyond this lifetime. I’m so grateful for the servant hearts on staff at Nashville Rescue Mission. This is love in action. THIS is hope.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As frontman for Memphis May Fire, one of the premiere bands in the metal-core genre, Matty Mullins encourages crowds at large secular music festivals worldwide with a mixture of relatable personal confessions and faith-based positivity. He’s blessed with one of the most recognizable and vital voices in alternative youth culture, helping his band garner rock radio play, millions of YouTube views, magazine covers around the world, and over two million followers on social media, while simultaneously offering an even fuller expression of his vibrant faith as a newly emerging CCM solo artist.
Heart of the Mission | May 2018
FEATURE STORY
Homeless, not hopeless YOUR SUPPORT PROVIDES KENNETH WITH HOT MEALS AND SAFE SHELTER
Still in his hospital gown, Kenneth arrived at Nashville Rescue Mission on October 24, 2017, by way of discharge from a local hospital. He had no family, no money, and nowhere to go—he was homeless.
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enneth is 59 years old, and this is the first time he’s experienced homelessness. In addition to high blood pressure and diabetes, he has dementia. Trying to figure out how Kenneth became homeless has been like trying to put a puzzle together, and realizing a handful of pieces are missing. So how did Kenneth end up here? “I was born and raised in Nashville,” shared Kenneth. “We lived near Old Hickory Lake on ten acres of land. Growing up, it was just me, and my mom and dad. I was adopted and didn’t have siblings. I never married, and I don’t have any children.” “I had a great life growing up. We were in church every Sunday. I was a good student and graduated a year early from high school. I studied math at Nashville Tech but didn’t finish. Over the years I found work as a welder, a CNC operator, a truck driver and an instructor, and a machinist. I’m a jack of all trades.”
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ONCE HIS PARENTS PASSED AWAY, Kenneth was on his own. “I’m a hard worker, and I have always been able to provide for myself. But 15 years ago, I had a bad motorcycle accident. I broke my back in two places, and had to have my spleen removed.” Initially prescribed medication to manage the pain from the accident, Kenneth developed an addiction to Dilaudid. His habit soon escalated and consumed him. Eventually, he ran out of money. Unable to work, or care for himself, Kenneth landed himself a stay at a local hospital, and upon discharge, with nowhere else to go, he was taken to Nashville Rescue Mission. “THE MISSION HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO ME,” said
Kenneth. “I’ve received food, shelter, and a lot of help. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come to the Mission. I know I couldn’t do any of this on my own. Everyone here has been so kind to me. Ken Engle (case manager at the Mission) has gone above and beyond to help me. He’s made sure I’ve gotten to my appointments. He connected me with a disability advocate, who is helping me with that paperwork. Once that’s approved, Ken is going to help me get into housing. I know he’s younger than me, but he’s been like a father-figure. I appreciate him so much.” Although Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid provide a safety net for some, not all people live out their final years Heart of the Mission | May 2018
with a secure, stable place to live. People who are homeless and living with cognitive impairment often fall through the cracks, and different parts of the health system must collaborate more closely to provide the most appropriate support. “IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS you’re
thinking about where you’re going to get your next meal and how you’re going to keep yourself safe,” said Rev. Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO of Nashville Rescue Mission.
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conditions of chronic homelessness age quicker and are less likely to survive into old age. Adding dementia to the mix only complicates matters. Dementia is a complex chronic condition caused by one or more of a large number of illnesses affecting the brain. It’s a devastating condition that robs people of their abilities and memories. It’s cloaked in stigma and misunderstanding. It isolates people from social networks and carries significant economic consequences. “SERVING THE EMERGENCY NEEDS of those without a home with compassion, respect, and resources is the reason we exist,” said Cranfield. “Our staff members are known for going above and beyond, especially in situations such as this. Someone like Kenneth requires a little extra care. He needs someone to help him remember his appointments, so he doesn’t land back in the hospital. It can be a costly and vicious cycle. We hope once Kenneth establishes a source of income, potentially through disability, then he can transition into supportive housing and no longer be homeless.” “Even as low as I’ve gotten, I’ve never lost my will to live,” said Kenneth. “I’m no longer drinking or addicted to drugs. Thanks to Nashville Rescue Mission, I’m getting the help I need, and I’ve found hope for tomorrow. I’m extremely grateful.” It’s because of your support that Kenneth and others like him have a safe place to sleep, hot meals to eat, and hope for a better life. Thank you.
I’ve received food, shelter, and a lot of help. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come to the Mission.”
“You’re not thinking about how you’re going to refrigerate your medication or how you’re going to get to your next appointment. For those who live on the streets or in a shelter— getting discharged from the hospital often means losing their meds, struggling to clean their wounds, or failing to make the specialist appointment across town. Others will get even sicker. Some will go back to the emergency room and start the process all over again. We need to work together to ensure our homeless neighbors have access to services and support that meet their needs.” THOUGH THERE IS LITTLE DEFINITIVE INFORMATION on the number of elderly who are homeless, most providers agree only a small percentage of them are over the age of 60. Most providers would suggest that people subject to the hard living 05
Kenneth (left) with Case Manager Ken Engle (right)
Heart of the Mission | May 2018
VOLUNTEER STORY
THE OF MINISTRY How this volunteer turned things up a notch Most people know the homeless can go to Nashville Rescue Mission and receive food, clothing, and shelter. The Mission does that and so much more. And now it sounds even better thanks to Frank Baird, Assistant Professor in Sound Reinforcement at MTSU. “My wife and I have been financial supporters of the Mission for over 13 years,” said Frank. “But I never really thought much about volunteering there. It wasn’t until my friend Chris Kearney started working at the Mission a few years ago that I learned of this great opportunity to use my time and talents to improve the quality of the chapel experience for guests while providing my college students with some real-world application of what they are learning.” Both professional touring musicians and live sound engineers, Chris and Frank have known each other for over 15 years. Before accepting his position as a case manager and chapel coordinator for the Mission, Chris was a founding 06
member of the 1980’s Christian band, Bash ‘N The Code. For years he toured as a drummer for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Frank’s experiences as a sound engineer touring with Elton John and Madonna gave him great insight into the technical aspects of running live sound. He’s also installed sound equipment for churches all over Nashville, and managed a theatre at Belmont University where he supported more than 10,000 live events. “FRANK IS ONE OF THE BEST sound engineers I know,” said
Chris Kearney. “Sharing the hope of Jesus to all who enter our doors is foundational to the Mission’s ministry. It’s essential
Heart of the Mission | May 2018
that guests can hear the message shared during each nightly chapel service. With Frank’s help, the quality of the sound in the chapel has been greatly elevated, and it makes for a much better and richer chapel experience for our guests.” “Serving at the Mission has changed me,” said Frank. “It’s something I talk about in my class and have incorporated it into the curriculum. Each semester, students are required to complete three homework assignments outside of the
“Running sound in the chapel at the Mission is a wonderful opportunity for MTSU students to come to Nashville to serve, learn, and hone their skills before graduation … ” classroom that involve running sound for a live show. Running sound for Nashville Rescue Mission’s nightly chapel service is one of their options. This exposes students to a worthy ministry and is a wonderful opportunity for MTSU students to come to Nashville to serve, learn, and hone their skills before they graduate. And they get to do it in this beautifully, recently renovated chapel space.” “Personally, I’ve come to know many of those who are homeless and live at the Mission. I even recognize them on the streets of downtown Nashville. I also know people who once had a house or an apartment, and now they are homeless. It’s an eye-opening experience and reminds me that any of us could be one or two decisions away from being homeless. It can happen to anyone.”
Frank (left) with staff member and friend Chris (right)
“I’m so grateful to be doing this,” said Frank. “I believe in what Nashville Rescue Mission stands for. I can see that people are genuinely being helped. Not only can I give back, but this also gives our students an opportunity to serve the Mission community and prepare them as future leaders.” WANT TO USE YOUR UNIQUE SKILLS AND TALENTS FOR GOOD? CHECK OUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE MISSION AT
nashvillerescuemission.org/volunteer
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
T HE HO NR A BL E J UD G E
MELISSA BLACKBURN Every day in my Mental Health and Veterans Courts, I come into contact with Nashvillians who are struggling. Mental health and addiction issues are the most signficant contributors to homelessness, and as a society, we often choose to ignore those among us who are the most vulnerable and suffering from these problems. Nashville Rescue Mission fills this critical, and growing, need for mental health and addiction treatment. It does 07
so with compassion and dignity for those it serves. The Mission chooses to turn our conscience to helping the most vulnerable, with respect for their needs and without judgment of their history. Filling this need is why I support and will continue to support Nashville Rescue Mission. It is a vital part of the Nashville community.
Heart of the Mission | May 2018
Summer Through the kindness of several local churches and summer camps, kids from Nashville Rescue Mission will have the opportunity to attend summer camp. While the cost of camp is covered, the children at the Mission still need your help. o Bible, pen, notebook or journal
o Swimming trunks for boys
o Backpack, sleeping bag, and pillow
o Sneakers, hiking boots, and waterproof sandals
o Sunscreen, insect repellent
o Rain gear and/or light jacket
o Beach towels, bath towels, and washcloths
o Gallon size plastic bags for wet items
o Flashlight with extra batteries
o T-shirts, tank tops, loose-fitting pants or shorts for recreational activities
o Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. o One-piece swimsuit for girls
You can download this list at nashvillerescuemission.org or purchase and ship directly from Amazon via this link: http://a.co/iLz22MZ.
GIF T CHALLENGE With your financial support we can put TWICE as much to work helping our neighbors in need. Please return the enclosed Gift Challenge check with your gift by June 5th and DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
L I V E S Y O U H AV E T O U C H E D | MARCH 2018
HOPE lives HERE E st. 1954 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org
Daily Avg.
monthly
Bible Class Attendance
26
805
21,116
Volunteer Hours
132
4,089
457
14,154
Travel Assistance
n/a
21
105
3,248
Program Graduates
n/a
13
Daily Avg.
monthly
Meals Served
1,431
44,348
Nights of Lodging
681
Chapel Attendance Education Hours