Living the Good News
Safe Harbor Campground
In November 2024, the severe uptick in transience and streetside homelessness reached critical importance. In response, Pastor Mel led our church community into living the Good News in a new way: the Safe Harbor Campground. Initially formed out of necessity, the campground has provided a secure, private are of our church property for people experiencing streetside homelessness.
About Our Campground
The Safe Harbor Campground is on PRIVATE PROPERTY (posted) at 1401 Travis Street. In its first year (not yet complete), the campground has been a temporary home for 29 individuals and one single-mother & child family. Our campers come from diverse life experiences. Each camper's length of stay depends on the level of need each person has to overcome to reintegrate. Safe Harbor provides access to a single-occupancy bathroom and a kitchen. In extreme weather (over 99 degrees or under 32 degrees, Farenheit), campers are able to take shelter inside Safe Harbor's Fellowship Hall. All campsite Pods are considered "primitive" camping.
Campers are People, Too
Safe Harbor MCC does not discriminate against any person in need of a secure place to temporarily call "home."
We are committed to providing an environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Resources Provided
As a community, campers how to live among others, learning respect, learn how to be held accountable, and have the opportunity to build deep friendships. Campers sign a liability waiver, a camper-moderated social contract agreement, and are provided a camping lease to help affirm residency.
Additionally, Safe Harbor MCC helps campers:
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Obtain all necessary documentation to apply for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card.
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Navigate public services needed by campers, such as SSI, SSDI, and SNAP benefits.
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Job Search.
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Apply for Housing . . . and more.
Rules & Expectations
The rules and church community expectations are a few. They include:
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NO illegal substances allowed on property,
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Quiet Hours 10pm-7am,
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Keep personal belongings inside your tent,
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do a chore to support the church and keep things clean every day,
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NO adult sexual relationships in camp.
How to Help
The Safe Harbor MCC Campground is part of the church's ministry and identity. Pastor Mel and volunteers apply for grant funding and church congregants provide day work, as available. Safe Harbor also employs campers (first-come, first-serve) as "Asset Contractors" for work needed around the church property.
CAMPERS ARE AVAILABLE TO WORK!
Most campers GREATLY appreciate day work. Call or text Safe Harbor (940-322-4100) to request campers for specific jobs and/or visit the property at 1401 Travis Street to offer available campers work opportunities.
GIVE TO SAFE HARBOR MCC
Generous donations make all the difference! Give to campground needs:
Project(s) in Process
Thanks to the testimony of a camper shared with just the right person, Safe Harbor received a $4,000 grant to UPGRADE the campground. (THANK YOU!)
This grant has provided enough to resurface the campground!!! Work is in progress (see photo).
WE ALSO NEED:
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Gutter & roof repair to direct water away from campsites
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Installation of new drainage at the site of our neighbor's building's water runoff
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Framing and Roofing for campsite "Pods"
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Canvass to provide privacy "walls" between Pods and ensure each campsite area is the same for each camper
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A bicycle rack for safe storage of most camper's only mode of transportation
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Fencing to better delineate camp areas
