Our Ministry Programs

There are 40 motorhomes out on the streets of Wenatchee. Every person we meet has a different story; they all need a place to stop and work on their challenges. We are happy that the City of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee understood our concern. In late September 2022, the Wenatchee Rescue Mission was granted funds to park these vulnerable individuals safely. As of now, we have 16 vehicles parked and safe. We hope to find another site to help us grow. Because of the funding, we also hired seven people right out of the mission. We are genuinely giving Help Hope and now Opportunity!

Although the exact definition of “low barrier” varies greatly depending on whom you ask, it essentially means that the requirements for entry are limited or minimal. With a focus on “harm reduction,” low-barrier shelters encourage homeless individuals to seek resources by eliminating those obstacles.

The overall goal is to get as many people off the streets as possible. We open our doors, hold our arms out, and everyone is welcome to come in with a genuine love that only God can bring. We’ve tried to remove every reason that might keep someone from coming to the shelter:

• No identification is required;  service pets are welcome.
• We don’t do background checks.
• Sobriety is not a requirement.
• Financial status is not asked of anyone.

The Mission began its emergency shelter transition to this model in 2022. The City of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee indicated an urgent need for low-barrier shelter beds in the community. Our response was yes.

Responding to the call to meet the growing demand, Wenatchee Rescue Mission was up to the challenge. Wenatchee Rescue Mission now offers 45 shelter beds; all considered low barriers. In 2023 we will add 43 tiny low-barrier shelter units for couples, individuals who cannot stay in a congregate living space, and others who may otherwise not be sheltered. 

There is no reason to make people jump through all kinds of hoops to have a place to stay and something to eat. 

But Low Barrier Doesn’t Mean Low Standards.

Although Wenatchee Rescue Mission has eliminated barriers to make the shelter more accessible to those in need, shelter policy prohibits drug possession, alcohol, and weapons in its facilities. There is also an expectation that guests obey the law and behave in a manner that is respectful, non-threatening, and not overly disruptive.

Our goal is to make this a safe place that promotes their growth.

Wenatchee Rescue Mission is a faith-based organization driven by a love for and obedience to God. Why does this model fit? For us, it means come as you are, no judgment. We will meet you where you are at. 

Our commitment is always to do our best to welcome everyone and provide the best possible spiritual, physical, and other needs by providing the best services and resources we can to help individuals achieve their life goals.

WRM is the original facility for men. The facility can house up to 50 men and 45 low-barrier beds. Our facility serves meals three times daily: 6:00 am.., 12:00 pm.., and 6:00 pm. 

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In 1983, Charles Hutchins (Hutch) visited Wenatchee to visit relatives. He befriended a homeless person and found no homeless shelters in the area. So, Hutch found an old abandoned hotel in south Wenatchee, signed a 25-year lease, and moved into the back room with plans to renovate it into a homeless shelter. This was in November, and with the winter approaching, people living by the river, underneath bridges, and in old cars heard about Hutch's hotel and quickly moved in.

This old hotel had little electricity and running water, no working plumbing, windows boarded up,  a sagging roof, and was only heated by a small wood-burning stove. Water was carried from a gas station down the street, and a portable toilet was placed out front. Due to many code issues, the Mission soon ended up in the newspaper. This drew two good friends, Don Lanphere and Dale Peterson, to visit the Mission, where they found about a dozen people, including five children, huddled around a wood stove. They decided to help and brought others to transform the crumbling hotel into a 37-bed Mission that housed families on the first floor and homeless men on the second floor.

In the early 1990s, residents from the original hotel mission and many Wenatchee Valley volunteers joined to build what is now Wenatchee Rescue Mission(formerly Hospitality Ministries). It is a large two-story building with 80 beds, laundry facilities, a commercial kitchen, and a large cafeteria where three meals a day are served to our residents and the public.  

We believe our actions speak louder than our words. We believe in reaching people where they are at. Our Outreach Team heads to the streets of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee daily to help those in need. We want people to see and experience the love of Christ. 

Our team is an active outreach team, which means if someone wants shelter now, the team will put them in our vehicle to take them to the top. We believe that sitting behind a desk waiting for people to come does not help those who are shelter-resistant or suffering from mental illness. From our Executive Director to our office staff all of our team goes out to perform street outreach. 

 Helping our community move forward together.

CES is based on four core principles: respect, accountability, consistency, and integration. These principles can be seen through the following actions that all staff involved in CES practice every single day.

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Promote Person-Centered Processes

We use client choice and strengths-based approaches to inform participants of services, housing, and referrals to respect the whole person without reducing them to their housing needs alone.

In addition, we employ culturally competent and evidence-based practices, recognizing the unique needs of each population and subpopulation we serve.

Strategically Prioritize Resources

We use strategic prioritization to ensure that people are connected to housing and services appropriate to their needs and eligibility and to match those with the greatest needs to limited resources.

Integrate Services Between Providers and Across Systems

Service providers and systems partners across Chelan and Douglas Counties create continuity for CES participants by aligning programs within and allocating resources throughout CES.

Increase Access and Reduce Barriers

All people deserve safe and stable permanent housing. We work toward that outcome by interviewing people to help find interventions that are right for them. We keep our services "low-barrier," so all are invited to participate.

We help create opportunities for people to succeed by focusing on their strengths and abilities and by using Housing First and other evidence-based practices that recognize the autonomy of the person being served.

Ensure Consistency in CES Processes

All people in Chelan and Douglas Counties have fair and equal access to CES. All CES locations and methods offer the same assessment approach and referrals using uniform and transparent decision-making processes, promoting consistency and efficiency across providers and regions.

Collaborate and Coordinate Among All Stakeholders

Service providers and other stakeholders across Chelan and Douglas Counites share a mutual responsibility for system improvement, sharing resources and knowledge, and working collectively to end homelessness across the county.