About Twin City Mission

Q: How are you funded?

A: We receive a substantial amount of state and federal funding, but by no means is that enough. We also receive continuous financial support from area churches, civic and social organizations, corporate and individual gifts, revenue from donations, as well as support from volunteers. We can't put a price tag on the relationships we've developed and continue to maintain with Texas A&M University .

Q: Where do the people come from that stay in your shelter?

A: The first part of that answer can be found in the question itself…”PEOPLE”…Those that we serve in all of our facilities are people…just like you and I…while their situations may vary and their roads differ, they are still people and that's where our focus is. Certainly through case management their individual specifics are addressed and incorporated into positive directions. Contrary to popular perception, individuals staying at The Bridge are not bums without any motivation. Some are local, some just passing through and some simply ending up here.

Q: Aren't you afraid to be down ‘there' with ‘them' after it gets dark?

A: Not in the least. While our clients are with us, this is their home. And those of us who work here or visit here after hours are treated like their family. They know if we are threatened or attacked in any way, it would have a direct impact on them staying with us. We are providing for them in a way that meets their specific needs while they're here.

Q: Does it cost anything to stay at the shelter?

A: Yes! Again, depending on the specific nature of each individual client, rent is based on ability to pay. We have a policy in place that addresses this very issue. And rules have been established that must be followed for someone to stay at The Bridge. Through their case management, they must be working, looking for work or take part in our fair-share program (giving 30 hours a week back to one of our programs). Our goal is to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and self-sufficiency. By no means is staying at The Bridge a free ride.

Q: If I've got something that's broken or doesn't work, can I just bring it down to Twin City Mission? I mean, certainly some of ‘those' folks can do something with it.

A: No. No. No. We are not a solid-waste drop-off location. In the past we have had recycle programs where we could take things that needed repair (small engines, furniture and the such) but no longer. Just consider this (and remember, we're talking about people here) if it doesn't work for you, what makes you think it'll work for them? If it's torn or broken and you have no further use for it, what makes you think they would have any use for it? While our clients may be homeless, they are still people, with dignity and pride, however wounded at the time. The best thing you can ‘bring to the mission' is respect.

Q: Do some of the same people staying with you leave and come back again?

A: We have had several clients move on and return, for whatever reason. Again, there is policy in place that addresses return stays. It involves everything from why they left, why they want to come back, their previous history with us, and so on.

Q: Do the kids at any of the facilities go to special schools?

A: Whenever possible, we allow the kids to stay enrolled in their current school. Where situations wont allow that, then we contract out with BISD to have the kids home schooled. Our kids are treated like every other kid in terms of school. There is every effort made to make sure the kids are dressed like everyone else, with the same back packs and school supplies and such. We provide transportation in un-marked vehicles so as to protect their confidentially.

Q: Who can eat in the soup kitchen?

A: First, we don't refer to it as a ‘soup' kitchen. It is a community café that provides meals 365 days a year. Our residents can eat 3 meals a day, while anyone in the community that wants a meal, can eat in our kitchen once a day, either lunch or dinner, Monday thru Friday, at no cost.