Fresh Start, Inc

Fresh Start’s Mission: To alleviate the immediate problems of homelessness, mental illness and abuse, and improve our clients' opportunities for the future through supportive services and community partnerships that address basic human needs.

Description:
Fresh Start is an all-volunteer 501(c) 3 non-profit which operates a drop-in day center for homeless, near homeless, mentally ill, and abused individuals. We exist to assist the ill and economically disadvantaged who are without access to such basic needs as food, shelter, clothing, laundry, showers, bathrooms, telephones, or a mailing address, and who require a helping hand on the complicated and difficult path to a more secure life.

Fresh Start is a safe, warm, inviting center where guests are treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Here our guests can find a much needed sense of community and belonging. Through partnerships with other agencies, we provide outreach and referral services to connect our clients with medical and dental care, housing, counseling, assistance with obtaining disability benefits and other social services.
Services: Free laundry, handicapped-access shower & rest rooms, hygiene supplies, phones, cell phone charging, mail drop, clothing, coffee, light snacks, computers & internet access, newspapers, outreach & referral services, once a month free minor medical clinic, survival gear (blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, tents, warm winter wear), a winter warming center, an AA meeting site, help with application forms, a safe, friendly, homey atmosphere.

History:
Fresh Start was founded in 2002 by members of the Kiwanis Club as a mentoring program to assist the homeless. In 2004, a drop-in Day Center was opened to provide a safe haven for homeless, particularly those suffering from mental illness.

Contact people:

Howard Martinson, Chief Executive Officer, (phone), (email) Carolyn F. Mattoon, Board President, (phone), (email) Fresh Start Email, (phone), (email)

Address:

1524 E. Sherman Avenue Coeur D'Alene, ID 83814 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.freshstartinc.org

Last updated on October 22, 2009