Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a difference?
You can make a difference by donating time or money to the shelter.
- Donate: Please consider making a financial contribution to Restoration Life Center. Individuals gifts are our largest source of funding, so we rely on the support of generous community members to provide our less-fortunate neighbors with life-changing services dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness.
- Volunteer: Restoration Life Center could not operate without our Community Partners. Please consider joining this dynamic community of volunteers who support the shelter with their time and talents.
- Advocate: Communities change when people are concerned, informed and involved. Please consider spreading the word about Restoration Life Center by sharing with your family, friends and community how RLC is proactively working to end homelessness. Like us on Facebook and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on RLC happenings!
How long do people stay at the Emergency Shelter?
Restoration Life Center does not have a prescribed length of stay for residents. Because we are an emergency shelter, generally individuals can stay up to 30 days and seven days for families. However, provided that certain criteria is met, individuals may have the option to stay up to one year in transitional housing. Those residents are encouraged to stay until they acquire the skills and savings necessary to become independent community members.
Who can stay at the emergency Shelter?
The Restoration Life Center provides emergency shelter to families and single adults who are experiencing homelessness in Neosho/Newton County and surrounding areas.
Bed space is given on a first come first serve basis for individuals. Individuals seeking shelter must complete the eligibility assessment interview given by the staff members of Restoration Life Center.
Bed space is given on a first come first serve basis for individuals. Individuals seeking shelter must complete the eligibility assessment interview given by the staff members of Restoration Life Center.
Where do all the people go during the day?
Restoration Life Center focuses on empowering individuals to be self-reliant, independent community members. We require that adults leave the shelter during the day to work, seek employment, or attend a work study shift at the RLC Family Store. Once a shelter resident obtains employment, they are required to save a portion of their income to go towards future housing.
Why are people homeless?
People do not become homeless overnight. Generally, a series of events or conditions escalates to the point where an individual or family can no longer maintain their home. The most common reasons given for individuals being homeless in our area include:
- Unemployment
- Unable to afford rent/mortgage
- Physical disability
- Mental disability
- Divorce or separation
- Incarceration
What kind of donations do you accept?
Monetary: Please visit our WAYS TO HELP page to learn more about financial giving.
In Kind: Our shelter regularly accepts unused toiletries, twin-sized linens, non-perishable foods, and paper products, such as plates, paper towels, napkins, baggies, etc. Check out our AMAZON WISHLIST to send items directly to the shelter.
Donate your gently used items to the RLC Family Store during business hours. We accept clothing, shoes, bedding, housewares, small appliances, working electronics, glassware, baby items, toys, and seasonal items.
In Kind: Our shelter regularly accepts unused toiletries, twin-sized linens, non-perishable foods, and paper products, such as plates, paper towels, napkins, baggies, etc. Check out our AMAZON WISHLIST to send items directly to the shelter.
Donate your gently used items to the RLC Family Store during business hours. We accept clothing, shoes, bedding, housewares, small appliances, working electronics, glassware, baby items, toys, and seasonal items.
How many people are homeless in our area?
It's difficult to know exactly who and how many are homeless, but we know it is on the rise and our area is no exception. Here's a quick snapshot: On a given night in January 2016, there was a total of 297 homeless individuals in emergency shelter, transitional housing and unsheltered. On a given night in January 2015, there was a total count of homeless individuals of 258.
*Source: The Homeless Coalition of Joplin (Jasper/Newton Counties), Joplin 2015 PIT Count Summary, Joplin 2016 PIT Count Summary.
*Source: The Homeless Coalition of Joplin (Jasper/Newton Counties), Joplin 2015 PIT Count Summary, Joplin 2016 PIT Count Summary.