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Harbor House, a long-term intervention program of the Salvation Army of Springfield, provides a safe and nurturing place for men that are homeless. In this program, men are challenged to maintain sobriety, work toward a college education, entre the workforce, receive counseling and so much more.

Harbor House currently hosts 31 men, and the organization also serves lunch to anyone who needs it in the community every day of the year through the Front-Line Feeding Program.

“As for the shelter, we see many clients successfully graduate the program and it is a delight to see them continue to succeed outside of our facility,” Byron Brown, house director, said. “Our Frontline Feeding Program always seems to present a new challenge which includes providing information about local resources, providing hygiene items, SNAPS assistance, and even assisting during medical emergencies.”

Harbor House has been partnering with Ozarks Food Harvest for more than 15 years. The Food Bank provides the organization with nutritious food for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and Harbor House also receives donations from Kum & Go.

Byron is passionate about his work with Harbor House, and he enjoys catching up with men who have completed the program and are living full, happy lives.

“Many times, we have former clients who come through the Front Line Feeding program and will check in with us. This is always a blessing and a joy for the Harbor House staff. One man who graduated our program is employed and housed and working alongside his wife to gain full custody of his children again. He often stops in to tell us how he is doing and share stories/pictures of his last visit with his children,” he shared.

Both volunteers and paid staff keep Harbor House running smoothly throughout the year. The staff includes two cooks who help prepare meals for the residents and lunches for the Front Line Feeding Program.

“Clients receive a hot or cold lunch and a water bottle. Sometimes they will be given a hat, dry socks, etc., as is deemed appropriate for the weather,” Bryon said.

Harbor House has adapted to COVID-19 by following all requirements set in place by the CDC and the Greene County Health Department. Masks are required and the Front Line Feeding program now operates outdoors. Lunches are served over the fence to protect the staff and the community members receiving food.

Bryon is excited for the future of Harbor House. The Salvation Army hopes to open a new facility in the next five years and magnify its services.

“We hope to expand our services as we have resources available so we are able to serve more of the impoverished communities in Springfield and the surrounding area,” he said.

We’re so grateful to the crew at Harbor House for bringing positive change to the community, one person at a time. To learn more about Harbor House and the Salvation Army, click here.