Editorial: You can help support the mission of Hope Haven Ministries

There are a number of organizations in the Kingsport area that provide essential services to those in need, and while all are limited in what they can offer, collectively they make a huge difference in the lives of the needy.Among them is Hope Haven Ministries, which just reopened its women's shelter at 670 Dale St. Hope Haven has been serving the disadvantaged in Kingsport for more than 50 years.It began in 1973 when a group of Christian businessmen came together with the desire to minister to homeless men in Kingsport. The Main Street Gospel Mission was established downtown, housing up to 13 men until a 1980 fire.The mission continued in a temporary location until 1998 when the current 4,000-square-foot facility opened, providing shelter for up to 27 men on any given night.In 2002, the ministry expanded to include women and children. A home on Maple Oak Lane was purchased and remodeled.The next year a day center was opened, and today Hope Haven provides emergency assistance such as shelter, food, clothing and crisis counseling, and offers programs that stress rehabilitation, restoration and a responsible attitude toward God, self, family and society.The women's shelter is once again offering support and resources for women and children, having closed in 2020."Since public housing opportunities have opened up, men are now finding housing opportunities more easily," said Joel Trigg, executive director at Hope Haven Ministries. "We've gotten more calls from women recently, and we felt it was the right time to reopen as a women and children's shelter."The shelter can host up to five women and children and plans to expand to its full capacity of 10 residents by year's end.To be eligible to stay in the shelter, women must be at least 18 years old, able to "care for themselves mentally and physically," pass a drug test, and have current photo identification."We have our transient program which is for individuals who are just passing through and briefly need a spot to stay, usually for a week," Trigg said. "For those who can work, we have our work program, which requires them to actively seek employment during their stay."Once residents find employment, they can stay at the shelter for a designated period of time, depending on their needs.They also save 75% of their income in a rehab account."This helps them transition to independent living," said Trigg. "When they leave, they'll have enough money saved to pay for their deposits and get back on their feet."Hope Haven offers a first-step program that allows residents to work at the Hope Haven thrift store on Lynn Garden Drive for 20 hours a week and gain working experience while they search for outside employment.Hope Haven also offers a special need program for women who are pregnant or disabled."These individuals don't have to seek employment," Trigg said. "For those who are disabled, our case manager helps fast-track their disability applications so they can receive that income in only three to six months."You can help support this much-needed program at hopehavenkpt.com by giving money or by giving needed supplies such as trash bags, toilet paper, bleach, soap, cleaners and paper towels, or personal hygiene items.For more information, call 423-246-6012 or email hhm@charterinternet.com.Hope Haven provides emergency assistance such as shelter, food, clothing and crisis counseling, and offers programs that stress rehabilitation, restoration and a responsible attitude toward God, self, family and society.