Our overnight program would not be possible with out your help!

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The Refuge relies on amazing local churches for sheltering the homeless, as we don't have a formal building. Every night, dedicated volunteers check in homeless individuals and transport them to host churches. There, they receive dinner, care, and a warm place to sleep.
​We kick off on Nov 5, 2023, and we need more churches to join our cause. Reach out to us now to make a difference!

Church Sponsoring

Sign Your Church Up To Sponsor a Week

Click the button below to sign up to Sponsor

​We're using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/JzpLxpC
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

How Your church can get involved

We are a not for profit organization overseen by a board of directors. All participants of The Refuge are volunteers. The Refuge depends upon volunteers throughout Lapeer County to keep this ministry running. We are seeking churches to partner with us by sponsoring a week. 

What The Refuge Provides
Shelter Site:

• Potential guests must qualify. We schedule intakes before 2 PM based on openings. 
• Guests fill out intake forms and sign a Guest Agreement.
• Every night Check-in workers do a pat down, and search. Three trained check-in workers are present each night.
• A breathalyzer is given every night to each guest.
• Drug testing is done at random times.

To churches sponsor week

• Mandatory training for all volunteers and a quick reference book.
• All forms needed for hosting: incident forms, volunteer agreement, and volunteer sign in form.
• Complete manual of all policies and procedures.
• Support, assistance, and volunteer network to help you plan and implement your week.

What the Sponsoring Church Provides

• Sponsor Churches provide volunteers to prepare meals, supervision, and friendship to guests from 6:00 p.m. – 12 a.m., each day during their sponsor week.
• A listening ear and willingness to share the Good News.​​

For more information, of if you have questions, email us at contact@therefugelapeer.org

Evening & Overnight Operations (Restoration Center Schedule)
6 pm – 8 pm – Visiting Hosts – male and female @ Restoration Center
8 pm – 10 pm - Visiting Hosts – male and female @ Restoration Center
10 pm – 12 pm - Visiting Hosts – male and female @ Restoration Center
12 pm – 8 am – Overnight Shift – Covered by The Refuge

Evening & Overnight Operations (Michigan Christian Youth Camp Schedule)
6 pm – 8 pm – Visiting Hosts – male and female @ Restoration Center
8 pm – 8:30 pm – Transportation
8 pm – 10 pm - Visiting Hosts – male and female @ Michigan Christian Youth Camp (tentative)
10 pm – 12 pm - Visiting Hosts – male and female @ Michigan Christian Youth Camp (tentative)
12 pm – 8 am – Overnight Shift – Covered by The Refuge
8:00 am – 8:30 am – Transportation

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Training Available
We have three options for training:

• We have a church host site training team that can come to your church to train your coordinator and volunteers
  
• The coordinators and volunteers of your church can attend a training session at our office
  
• There is online training available. Click the button below to be directed to our online training