Causes: Domestic Violence, Family Violence Shelters, Homeless & Housing, Homeless Shelters

Mission: Mission statement the mission of diakonos, inc. Is to compassionately serve men, women, and children in need by providing clothing, food, healthcare, and safe sanctuary; advocating for change and offering hope. Taken from the greek language, "diakonos," means "one who serves.

Programs: Shelter services program: night shelter/transitional housing program description: the night shelter is for the more chronically homeless - those that are mentally ill and/or substance abusers. Most work with the case manager, although what prohibits them from moving into a more stable living situation is very complicated with few solutions. While in the night shelter, in order to stay at level 1, general rules must be followed. Level 2 allows for more perks, but requires more of the individual. Once our guest accomplishes requirements of level 3, they have the opportunity to move into transitional. The second level of transitional housing is resident staff level. Working with case manager, setting short and long term goals, securing employment, developing job skills, attending mandatory classes in our day center are just a few of the requirements of those working their way to self-sufficiency. The case manager provides direction in obtaining housing, employment, transportation for medical appointments, scheduling appointments and working with discharge planners at hospitals, prisons, etc. All of our guests are homeless, 100% have incomes that are well below the poverty level. Food services program description: three meals a day, seven days per week. The fifth street kitchen is busier than busy on most days. Breakfast is for night shelter and transitional guests only, but lunch and supper is available for anyone who is hungry and does not have the financial means to provide for themselves or their family. We provide bag lunches for our guests that are starting a new job until they get their first paycheck. We no longer do emergency food boxes, but share our excess food with those agencies and churches that do and we refer those in need of that service to our collaborators. Shelves, freezers and refrigerators are kept stocked at my sister's house so that no one is ever without food. Food bags are provided for weary travelers who do not have funds to buy food for their journey - usually individuals that are traveling in search of better employment. Our goal is to comprehensively address hunger within our community. Healthcare services program description: medical services at fifth street include: daily nurse clinics, monitoring of chronic illness, medication management, referrals for provider care, giving over-the-counter medications as appropriate, etc. Two physicians provide clinics for shelter guests and for children. Prevention education is taught each week as one of our classes covering such subjects as women's health, chronic disease prevention and management, men's health, nutrition, dental hygiene, exercise, etc. . Hiv testing is done two times a month by the metrolina hiv/aids consortium. Volunteers provide blood pressure/blood sugar screenings on occasion. We have a presence on the healthnet iredell advisory committee and work with the safety net committee at iredell memorial hospital. Other offerings program description: special needs room, thanksgiving dinner, easter breakfast, transportation, christmas dinner, and clothing closet.

my sister's house program: program description: my sister's house addresses the needs of those fleeing domestic violence and sexual assault at a variety of levels. We are fortunate to have a wonderful facility from which to offer these services. Eight bedrooms, each with its own bath, well equipped children's play area, a living area, an activities room, and staff area provides a warm living environment for those needing safe sanctuary. We have a full-time and part-time therapist as well as a victim advocate/educator who work with victims both in the shelter and in the community. Through counseling, court advocacy, peer support, case management, etc. Our guests can start the long process of rebuilding lives and moving on to becoming self sufficient and having a life that is violence free.

path program: to engage an assertive outreach and time-limited case management to individuals who are homeless and have a serious mental illness or co-occurring illness. This includes providing mental health, developmental disabilities, and/or substance abuse services to those individuals.