Q A's

Q+A's

Why make clients do chores?

While we happily provide meals, free of charge to those in need, we do feel that it is important to stress the importance of work, and the part that it should play in everyone's life. Our philosophy on chores---that everyone who comes to eat on a regular basis must regularly sign up for one of four chores: wiping down tables, taking out the garbage, sweeping and mopping floors, and washing dishes----is based on the Biblical principle that, "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10b, NLT). If clients refuse to do chores, they are asked to leave and not return for a week. We will not let anyone go hungry---they can get a sandwich or two to eat---but they will not be able to come in, sit down, and partake of the full meal that is offered.

"You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
Adrian Rogers, 1931

Guidelines for Respectful Behavior

Any person who wishes to eat at The Open Door Mission is welcome to do so, provided that he/she respects general courtesy/safety guidelines (i.e., no disorderly behavior, no weapons, no substances, no foul or abusive language, etc.).

· Since we are located in a neighborhood, no loitering or “hanging out” will be allowed outside the building or near neighboring properties on sidewalks, leaning against porches, in parking lots, etc.

· This is a “Tobacco Free” property (building and parking lot) – if guests need to smoke before completing assigned chores, they must walk around the block while smoking. Please do not roll cigarettes on the premises or have tobacco products in plain view.

· Every person eating at the soup kitchen is required to do a clean-up chore on a regular basis. If a person signs up for a chore and does not complete it, that person may lose the privilege of eating at the soup kitchen for at least a week. (Repeat offenders may have greater consequences.)

· If a person is disrespectful in the neighborhood or in the community, that person may be prohibited from eating meals at the soup kitchen. In such cases, a sandwich may be given to the person outside the door near mealtime.

· When a person has been banned from eating at the soup kitchen, that person must meet with the Director to determine whether or not he/she may return to the soup kitchen for regular meals.

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