FAQ

No. Staying at one of our shelter facilities is completely free. A person can also eat at the Mission at no cost. If you are staying at the Women’s & Family Shelter, you will be asked to take on some responsibilities around the shelter as a means to supplement your stay. At the Men’s Mission, amenities such as hair cuts, laundry, and extra clothing are earned by doing various chores around the facility.

Do you have to be staying at a shelter to eat a meal at MRM?

Anyone can get a meal at the Men’s shelter facility. The dining room is open to the public for every meal. At the Women’s & Family Shelter (WFS), only guests staying at the facility are allowed to eat there. This is for the safety of the children staying with us and helps to foster a sense of community for the families staying at WFS.

Do people have to go to chapel to stay at one of the shelters?

Staying and eating at MRM is not dependent upon chapel attendance. Although we strongly encourage every guest to attend our multi-denominational services, they are not a requirement to staying at MRM.

How long can someone stay at MRM?

At the Women’s & Family Shelter, families are initially given 30 days to stay at the shelter. An extension may be granted if the family is steadfastly trying to better their circumstances and they need to stay at the shelter longer than the one-month period.
At the Men’s Shelter, each man is allowed to check in for the night. Each gentleman can check in again the following evening. There is not a limit to the number of days a gentleman can stay at the Men’s Shelter; however a daily check-in is required to stay in the dorms.

Does MRM help people with drug and alcohol rehabilitation?

The Montana Rescue Mission offers a number of referral services for various addictions. Please contact the Montana Rescue Mission at 259-3800.

Does MRM help people find jobs?

Some of our guests receive training and/or employment at one of our three Bargain Centers or at the one of the shelters. The employment experience can provide them a quality job reference and work history, and provides them with various vocational skills. In addition, MRM is currently exploring several community partnerships to further expand our vocational training programs.

Is the Montana Rescue Mission a dangerous place to be?

The Mission is generally a very safe place to work, live and volunteer. We have never had a volunteer accosted or injured while serving at MRM. In addition, there are always many staff members and dedicated program members around to ensure the safety of everyone who lives and works at MRM.

How is MRM funded?

MRM is almost exclusively privately funded. Each year individuals from Billings and the surrounding communities give their time and financial resources to keep our ministries thriving. Being privately funded also allows MRM to serve people in an uninhibited, God-honoring fashion.

How do MRM’s Bargain Centers fit into the ministry?

MRM’s Bargain Centers serve a three-fold purpose for the ministry:

   1. To provide income for MRM’s Shelters and Mobile Outreach Van programs.
   2. To house our Community Outreach Program; which last year provided $150,000 worth of household items and appliances to families in need.
   3. To provide a practical outlet for the many donations we receive at MRM.

How can I help out at MRM?

If you are interested in partnering with us in our ministry, either financially or with your time, we would love to show you around and share our vision with you! Please contact us at 259-3800 to get started.