"I arrived at the Rescue Mission on September 25, 2002, from Troy, Alabama. At first I stayed in the shelter part of the Mission. It was the only place to go because I was hooked on drugs real bad and I was ashamed to be around my family. Joyce, the Emergency Shelter Coordinator, suggested I enter the Program at Vince’s Place. While I was in the shelter, three guys tried to talk me out of coming to Vince’s Place but I came anyway and I’m glad I did because I love it here. Vince’s Place is a good place and the people there are helping me with my recovery." — current resident/truck driver
The Rescue Mission of Trenton
Working Together
to Rebuild Lives
The Rescue Mission of Trenton provides the only Emergency Shelter in Mercer County, New Jersey, licensed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), serving single men and women. While a homeless client is in the shelter, staff members work to link the person to community programs that will address the pressing needs and issues contributing to their homelessness.
The Emergency Services Program can house 54 men and 23 women nightly for a total of 77 individuals. During the winter emergency period (approximately November 15th to April 15th), the bed capacity more than doubles to 135 men and 29 women nightly for a total of 164 individuals. Clients receive breakfast, dinner, snacks, clothing, winter coats, and personal hygiene necessities.
Under the Emergency Services Program, the Rescue Mission also operates a weekend soup kitchen. Additional services in this area include free clothing and furniture to homeless clients or those referred by other social service programs.
Homeless Assessment and Referral (HAR) Program
Under the Emergency Services Program, the Rescue Mission of Trenton recently created a supportive housing unit to accommodate homeless individuals. Known as the Homeless Assessment and Referral (HAR) Program, this new and innovative project is designed to house homeless individuals while they are in the process of obtaining housing and other supportive services or searching for a job. The program offers extended, supportive housing to adult, single men who are experiencing homelessness and are in need of assistance in obtaining social services and benefits in addition to living accommodations.
The HAR unit, located on the 4th floor at 98 Carroll Street is currently licensed as a Class C Rooming and Boarding house – separate from the Emergency Shelter.
“If it wasn’t for this program, I don’t know where I’d be today,” said one of the first clients assigned to the program. “It’s one of the best things I’ve heard of – since coming to Trenton – for people who need help. I don’t know why somebody didn’t do it before.” —former HAR resident