Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council announced approval of an agreement with Valley Rescue Mission on July 11 at the City Council meeting. This agreement will help provide shelter for homeless persons living in Opelika with a goal of transitioning people into permanent housing and employment.
Mayor Fuller said, “We have been working on a solution for the homeless in our city for some time. Through our partnership with Valley Rescue Mission, the city will be responsible for transporting someone who has consented to transport and will fund each person for one year at the shelter. This is an excellent example of public-private partnerships and how we can help those in need.”
Valley Rescue will perform intake through multiple screening tests related to drugs and other issues. If accepted into the program, the person will enter into the woman’s shelter or the men’s transitional living program for a period of three months. If the homeless person has an addiction, then they will be admitted into the appropriate addiction program. The homeless person will give full consent to be a part of the program.
Mike Gaymon, CEO/President of Valley Rescue Mission, added, “The Valley Rescue Mission is proud to join with the City of Opelika in addressing homelessness and addiction issues for its needy citizens. This agreement demonstrates the caring attitudes that the elected officials of Opelika have for a segment of their citizens. The Valley Rescue Mission’s 60-year history is about serving Christ in our communities. Helping the homeless, the hungry, those with addictions are available with this agreement.”
If you would like to set up an interview to learn more about the partnership, please call Leigh Krehling at 334-705-5136.