From the time I have spent in my internship, most of the time I have spent has observing what a case manager at this San Bernardino mission goes through on a daily basis.  The two case managers (yes, there are only two for nearly 70 people) have the daunting task of properly accounting for every single client in the mission, and venting every new person that comes in.  The venting process requires that the case manager acquire legitimized identification, and perform a basic background check to see if the client has committed any sexual offenses (CA Criminal Code 290).  Each client wishing to receive the services of the mission must also set up a meeting with a case manger to create “a plan.”  The mission has a policy that a client can stay no longer than 90 days, and that  each month he must meet with a case manger to determine how he will achieve permanent housing and employment, and send him on the right path.  The client and the case manager must explore every possibly way of attaining residence.  This involves primarily getting in contact with any friends or family members that he might have.  Often times this task alone is incredibly difficult, because the patient has no ties, or has been outcasted from his entire family.  It is expected that during his time in the shelter, he will create ties with other inhabitants.

This religiously affiliated mission has several policies, which to many may seem especially strict.  for example, no client (with the exception of resident volunteers) is able to be on the mission grounds from the hours of 6:30am to 7pm, and are only allowed one meal per day.  In addition, if a client does not show up to the mission for more than one night without notifying the staff and case manager, he is no longer allowed to stay at the mission.  Also, physically disabled (and severely mentally disabled) are not eligible to receive the services.

However, after observing the work of a case manager, it is understandable why these policies might be put into place.  The case managers are constantly bombarded with phone calls from various individuals and other organizations, who are requesting that the mission take in homeless people who have been a “nuisance.”  With a cap of only 70 people, it is understandable that the mission must refuse to take in certain people.  In addition, the staff and case managers have to deal with clients who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior on the mission grounds.  As one of the case managers told me, “they have to show us that they want to change their lives.”

Despite the somewhat selective process that the mission goes through, and the seemingly harshness of the mission’s policies, the staff and resident volunteers are exceptionally friendly and helpful towards everyone inside the shelter, rather it be a volunteer or a client.  I have enjoyed the upbeat and positive attitude that the entire staff exhibits, and I know the clients do as well.