Clarksburg Mission's Resurrection Program Set to be Consolidated at Main Location in Glen Elk Community
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 26, 2024
As of September 1, 2024 the Clarksburg Mission plans to consolidate its Resurrection Program at its main location in Glen Elk.
The 18-month Program is currently split between two locations. Residents spend the first six months at the Mission buildings in Glen Elk,
then move into one of two sober living homes on East Pike Street for the remainder of the Program. After 18 months, residents “graduate” to lead healthier lives with permanent housing, employment and sobriety. The split location was largely a result of timing.
When the two sober living homes were originally purchased in 2017, the Clarksburg Mission was providing emergency shelter at its Glen Elk 
location. The emergency shelter, which was open to the public, was distinct from the programmatic structure of the sober living homes. For the most part, the two ministries functioned separately.
location. The emergency shelter, which was open to the public, was distinct from the programmatic structure of the sober living homes. For the most part, the two ministries functioned separately.
Then in 2020, amid changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mission replaced its emergency shelter with the current Resurrection Program, a long-term ministry designed to address the root causes of both homelessness and addiction. This new effort gradually merged with the sober living homes and progressed into one, cohesive program.
Consolidating the Program in Glen Elk will require some renovation of the space, but Clarksburg Mission Executive Director, Desi Underwood, said that they have the room to successfully do so. The Mission typically has 20-24 residents participating in the Resurrection Program at a given time.
“Yes, we have the room to house residents from both levels in Glen Elk. The transition will include remodeling some open spaces for Level I and updating second-floor apartments for Level II. The biggest difference between the two levels is that Level I residents spend their weekdays in our classroom, learning how to better their lives, while Level II residents spend the majority of their time working out in the community. As a result, Level II residents have more independence. We want the space to reflect an appropriate amount of support at each level.”
Underwood acknowledged that community members and city officials may have questions or concerns about this transition. She wants to assure all parties, especially Mission donors, that this change of space will only strengthen the Mission’s ability to serve those in need.
“What our residents need most is community. They need connection. This transition of space will allow us to share more, give greater support, and build greater community. This will also simplify our expenses moving forward, which stabilizes our financial commitment to the residents over the course of the 18 months.”
Underwood noted that this transition will most likely lead the Mission to sell the two homes on East Pike Street. No specific plan is yet in place.
“The Mission has successfully maintained these homes for the last seven years. We have had dozens of graduates, and we are proud of the contributions that they are making in our community. Moving forward, we can continue to meet this critical need without being torn between two locations.”
The Mission invites all community members, especially donors, to come and see the space at the Mission. Underwood said, “We seek to be good stewards of this community and to put your donations to good use, materially and spiritually. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.”
You can contact the Mission at (304) 622-2451 or admin@clarksburgmission.org
