The Union Rescue Mission in Wichita is expanding its efforts to help men recovering from homelessness and addiction.
The faith-based nonprofit has opened a new multi-unit housing complex called "Eagles Wing." Up to two dozen men can live there as they transition from recovery programs into independent living.
Union Rescue CEO Doug Nolte says providing a housing option gives participants the best chance for success.
"Instead of just turning them loose and maybe having them go back to another environment, we’ll have a place where they can get rent history, be in a stable environment and kind of reinforce what they are working on to get back out in the community where they need to be," Nolte says.
Planning for the housing complex began about four years ago. The project cost $3.5 million, and is the first major expansion on Union Rescue Mission’s six-acre campus on North Hillside.
Union Rescue Mission, an emergency shelter and recovery program for homeless men, started in 1950.
The Mission’s 28,000-square foot facility in Wichita provides overnight housing and meals for homeless men, hosts a 12-month addiction recovery and Christian discipleship program called New Beginnings and distributes free food, diapers and infant formula to families and single mothers in need.
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