For more than 110 years, Washington Street Mission has served to meet the basic needs of those struggling in our community by providing a warm, compassionate community where all people are welcome, accepted, and cared for.
Weekly Schedule
Monday – Friday
- 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Warming Center
- 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. – Warming Center
- By Appointment – Recovery Support
- By Appointment – Case Management Services
Monday
- 8:15 a.m. – Recovery Meeting (AA/NA)
- 9:15 a.m. – Bible Study
- 12:30 p.m. – Life’s Healing Choices Group
- 1:30 p.m. – Purpose Driven Life/Proverbs Study
Tuesday
- 8:15 a.m. – Recovery Meeting (AA/NA)
- 9:15 a.m. – Bible Study
- 11:30 a.m. – Women’s Shopping
- 1:00 p.m. – Afternoon Movie
- 1:30 p.m. – Emotional (SEL) Support Group
Wednesday
- 8:15 a.m. – Recovery Meeting (AA/NA)
- 9:15 a.m. – Bible Study
- 12:30 p.m. – Fresh Start Workshops
- 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Food Pantry Hours
- 1:30 p.m. – Purpose Driven Life/Proverbs Group
Thursday
- 8:15 a.m. – Recovery Meeting (AA/NA)
- 9:15 a.m. – Bible Study
- 11:30 a.m. – Men’s Shopping
- 1:00 p.m. – Veteran’s Support Group
- 1:30 p.m. – Emotional (SEL) Support Group
Friday
- 8:15 a.m. – Recovery Meeting (AA/NA)
- 9:15 a.m. – Bible Study
- 1:30 p.m. – Purpose Driven Life/Proverbs Group
Saturday
- 8:30 a.m. – Saturday Breakfast & Worship Service
Sunday
- 3:00 p.m. – Breaking Bread Sunday Dinner and Worship Service
OTHER HOURS
- Mail Pickup – Tuesday & Thursdays @ 1:30pm
- ACTS 29 Dinner & Service – Mondays @ 5:00pm
- Monthly Community Connection Resource Fair – 2nd Tuesday of month @ 8:30 a.m.
Warming / Cooling Center / Coffee Hall
The Mission offers safety and shelter from the seasonal elements, providing the opportunity for community members to find respite and the help they need to overcome their challenges. All people are welcome, regardless of their personal situation.
While all people are welcome, low barrier does not mean low standards. Community Members are expected to obey the law, honor a ban on drugs and alcohol, and behave in a manner that is respectful, non-threatening and not overly disruptive. We strive to make the Mission a safe place that promotes personal growth.
The Mission opens the doors to the community from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.. During these hours, the Mission offers warm meal, snacks, and beverages.
The coffee hall provides a safe environment where community members can create relationships and staff can build trust to better serve our clients. At the mission, we believe in treating all community members with respect, compassion and the encouragement to take the next step to rebuild their lives.
Resource Connection
Not every person experiencing homelessness is ready to commit to our life changing, transformational programs. Mission staff work with these individuals to provide in-house resources and referrals for housing, mental health care, treatment and rehab programs, and other community services that could help them to begin the healing process.
Food Pantry
The Mission’s Food Pantry provides access to shelf-stable foods and supplies to area families. The Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Families may access the pantry once each month and the number of items a family receives depends on family size and inventory. To access the food pantry, an individual must be housed since almost all items available in the pantry require cooking or preparation.
Showers / Laundry Services / Hygiene Supplies
The Mission provides hygiene supplies and services to those with limited access to clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry services. Promoting self-care helps destigmatize homelessness and gives many a sense of hope and dignity.
Showers and laundry services are available on a first come, first serve basis starting at 7:30 a.m., Monday – Friday.
Laundry services are regularly limited to 1-2 loads per week based upon demand. All laundry is done by Mission staff or volunteers.
Showers are regularly limited to once every-other-day due to the large demand for shower services. The mission provides private showers, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Hygiene items are available during regular hours based upon availability.
Clothing Hall
The Mission provides free, gently used clothing for adults in our community. The Clothing Hall is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday. With Women’s shopping hours on Tuesday, and Men’s shopping hours on Thursday.
Individuals experiencing an emergency or employment may drop by the Mission any time during normal operating hours.
Individuals with a scheduled job interview will be provided access to dress clothes set aside for that purpose.
Other Services
Guiding Your Way Back Home
Guiding Your Way Back Home is a partnership with the Springfield Police Department that serves to connect displaced individuals with their family.
The program provides transportation back to an individuals home community. In order to receive transportation, the individual must have direct family members who are prepared to support the individual when they arrive.
Treatment & Recovery Support
While estimates vary, alcohol and substance abuse disorders are common among the homeless. For many of these individuals there is little hope of long term stability without treating their addiction.
The Mission works with its community members to get them into a treatment program, develop a recovery plan, and provide the necessary services to support their recovery.
Identification & Benefits Enrollment
Obtaining proper identification is the first step in obtaining any type of public or private assistance. Mission staff provide assistance in qualifying for government and private assistance, and obtaining the documentation they need to obtain a valid State ID.
Employment Programs
From providing assistance in applying for a job to enrolling in our Supportive Employment Program, the Mission is committed to provides to help individuals find appropriate and meaningful employment.
Support Groups
Throughout the week, the Mission hosts Recovery Meetings, a Veteran’s Support Group, Emotional Support Groups, and Bible Study Groups to support those seeking personal restoration and growth.
Shelter and Housing Support
The Mission provides case management support to help individuals find appropriate shelter, long-term housing such as permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing, and the services needed to help them thrive.