Homeless Shelter
Messianic Refuge would like to introduce Pastor Joseph Williams as the new Director of Shelter Operations /Shelter Chaplain.
Pastor Joseph and his family moved to Adams county in April 2021 by faith from Washington state following the call of the Lord. Ministering to the homeless in Washington was a big part of this family's outreach while living there for 3 years, and they have a heart for the needs in this area as well. They believe faith is the key to beginning a new life and with God all things are possible. Their testimony is a shining example of the power of God that can truly transform lives. Pastor Joseph served active duty in the US Navy.
The Messianic Refuge Homeless Shelter is located just North of West Union near the County airport at 3389 Cross Rd. Winchester, Ohio 45144
- Our region of Appalachia struggles with poverty and Adams County has the highest poverty rate of the 88 counties in Ohio.
- There are 3,007 counties and 136 county equivalents in the continental States. Adams County Ohio is ranked the 35th poorest in the nation of 3,143 counties or equivalents.
- Diseases of despair include deaths due to alcohol and drug overdose, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease/cirrhosis.
- Nov 19, 2020 · Study finds women's mortality is nearly 50% higher in Appalachia.
Poverty is the undisputed driver of the "diseases of dispair" and homelessness is living behind the battle lines and within the enemies stronghold. We are here to serve in the war against the evils of poverty, mental health and addictions.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to receive strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Our guests are angels seeking a place of refuge.
We have weekly onsite bible studies and on Sundays we shuttle our guests to local churches in the morning and evenings.
- This past year we have provided homeless accommodations to 70+ children, mothers, single women and men and couples.
The case load is financially significant with the 100’s of individualized case management hours needed for each guest that is provided by team and staff. The Messianic Refuge with our parteners provide wrap around services with Empowertreatment.org and Mahajan Therapeutics.com , the Adams County Health Department and ABCAP.
We could not have served the 70+ homeless people without the assistance of our local Health Department, Adams County Hospital, Adams County Shariff Department and most of all our local Churches. We are on track to assist over 100 homeless people this year.
We are seeing an average of 8 to 16 weeks of intensive case management to resolve the majority of the issues that keeps a person homeless in our community. Having administrative problem solving skills, patience, constant access to the internet, phone service and transportation is a significant barrier to overcome homelessness.