Michael E. Farrell Jr. knows what it is like to be homeless, personally as a youth and professionally when he went door-to-door in 2013 during his successful reelection campaign for Claridon Township trustee.
“I found families sleeping in cars or seeking shelter in Geauga County’s parking lots in the dead of winter and summer,” said Farrell, who is completing his second four-year term. He opted not to seek re-election in November.
“I spoke with local families who took in young women and children in their own homes. I learned there were no vacancies in existing shelters,” he said. “Those fortunate to find an available bed, they would be forced back out into the heat, cold and elements due to time limits.”
Geauga County’s homeless were given shelter in Chardon Motel and other local hotels for one to three weeks at the expense of local agencies, explained Farrell.
“No stable outcomes can result in that time frame because you just can’t get back on your feet or be guaranteed a job without long-term support,” he said.
So, in October 2014, Farrell founded Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, a Christ-centered tax-exempt nonprofit organization, with the intention of creating a private sector funded and faith-based rescue mission in Geauga County to proactively address the needs of the growing homeless community.
This year, 75 people, including 12 children, were homeless and in need of GFRM’s services.
GFRM’s desire is to have positive outcomes using no government money and to provide a foundation and support for those in need, a means to get them back on their feet.
“It is very hard for a person in this situation to get past some basic hurdles without help, but once the proper foundation is set, the possibilities for a person are unlimited,” said Farrell, who serves as GFRM’s unpaid president.
While Geauga County does have emergency services available, the county does not offer a homeless shelter or comprehensive services for the homeless under one roof.
“Geauga County’s homeless are having to migrate to surrounding counties and are taxing the occupancy of existing shelters as a result,” he explained.
GFRM models its programs after many other successful missions affiliated with the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. One such local mission is Youngstown’s successful Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. Established in 1893, it provides housing, food, counseling and education through residential programs that enable those in need to become financially stable and productive citizens again.
GFRM’s programs similarly provide education regarding personal financial and job skills. When combined with in-house counseling as needed, it will give participating residents the confidence they need to become the contributing members of society they deserve to be.
“Studies how the faith-based response is very effective in combatting homelessness,” said Farrell.
Serving his fellow man wanting to see others achieve their American dream is nothing new to Farrell, who has worked for the Geauga County Engineer’s Office since September 2005. In 2010, he started a non-profit organization called Claridon Community Helps to enable neighbors to help neighbors with food and clothing, as well as help seniors with small projects and other areas of need. Dinners are held every third Tuesday at The First Congregational Church in Claridon on a donation basis and extra funds go toward helping with community needs.
GFRM welcomes donations on a one-time or monthly basis that can be made online by visiting www.gfrmission.org; by checks made payable to Geauga Faith Rescue Mission and mailed to P.O. Box 823, Chardon, OH 44024; or by texting the word “HOME” to 440-760-0131.
“Every donation makes a definite impact on these people’s lives,” Farrell said.
The rescue mission’s primary fundraiser — “Help the Hidden Homeless of Geauga County” annual auction and dinner — is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2018, with sponsorships and pledges for auction items being accepted. Visit www.gfrmission.org for more information.
GEAUGA FAITH RESCUE MISSION’S GUIDING VERSE:
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
— Galatians 6:9-10 NASB
