Rolla Mission details shelter-to‑housing programs, reports housing and outreach results

At a council meeting on Aug. 4, Sarah Buell, marketing and donor relations manager at the Rolla Mission, presented the nonprofit’s 2024 results and described new and ongoing programs designed to move people from crisis sheltering into stable housing.

Why it matters: The Rolla Mission said its case management and outreach work produced measurable housing outcomes and reduced visible encampments; the council asked for follow‑up metrics to understand longer‑term stability after clients move into housing.

What the Mission reported: Buell said that in 2024 the Mission housed 136 people and achieved a 54% housing rate compared with a 32% national average. Staff secured over 92 jobs, helped 113 people obtain IDs and documents, connected hundreds to counseling and treatment, and reported more than 13,000 volunteer hours. Through the Welcome Home program the Mission furnished 208 new homes, and the outreach team helped 80 people move from encampments into housing, a 31% decrease in encampment population, Buell said. The Mission also reported providing 32,137 loads of free laundry service in 2024.

Rise and Rebuild program: Buell outlined entry and program rules: participants must stay in the Mission’s emergency shelter for seven days before applying; accepted participants receive initial drug and alcohol screening and must remain drug‑ and alcohol‑free while enrolled, save 80% of their income, secure employment within 30 days of eligibility for work, attend two classes weekly and meet with case management weekly. The program includes employment preparation, financial literacy and housing‑readiness classes; Buell said the Mission also launched a one‑to‑one mentorship program pairing community volunteers with participants.

Council response and follow up: Council members praised the Mission’s growth and asked whether the organization tracks outcomes for housing stability six months or a year after placement. Buell said case managers continue to work with alumni weekly after placement and monitor employment success, and that she could provide longer‑term follow‑up data in a future presentation.

What remains: The Mission is soliciting donations (beds and household goods are in demand) and volunteers for its mentorship program; council members asked the Mission to return with post‑placement outcome statistics for public reporting.

Sources: Presentation by Sarah Buell and council Q&A from the meeting transcript.