Brian Bidleman, Director of Beacon of Hope Shelter, offered a glimpse of day to day operations and a look at the future for the ministry. Bidleman made a presentation this week at the Webster County Board of Supervisors regular meeting. The goal of the presentation was to be proactive and give first hand account of the Shelters mission and vision.
The Beacon of Hope was established in 2010 by Steve Roe. Bidleman joined the Shelter in 2022, and quickly transitioned over to Director. During his tenure, guests have been staying at the Shelter as little as 6 hours, or as long as 6 years – the latter attributed to lack of services such as the closing of mental health facilities.
The Beacon of Hope currently has 5 full time staff members. The Shelter does employ 20 people, 14 of which are current or former guests.
The Beacon of Hope’s mission to reach out to men whom are hungry, homeless, hurting, and in need of Hope in the area. The Shelter’s service area is 60 mile radius, however Bidleman noted they do not turn anyone down, especially in the Winter season. Mr. Bidleman said the fastest growing segment of homelessness in Webster County is women and children, many of which are sleeping in their cars or on borrowed couches.
Bidleman advised 80% of the guests at the Shelter suffer from either addiction or mental health complications, with 80% of the aforementioned suffering from both. Currently there are 30 men in the shelter.
The Beacon of Hope is a Christian mission, and receives its funding from individuals, churches, and organizations. The mission first and foremost shares their faith with guests, although they are not required to believe that.
A normal day at the Beacon of Hope begins at 5:30 AM and includes waking up, breakfast, detail, and chapel. At 8:30 AM, guests go to the Shelter’s 2nd chance store to offer assistance, after which they are allowed to sign out. Check in is between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, at which they are which time they are breathalyzed. From there, they have supper, chapel, then they can go do bed. They are allowed to check out in the evening for up to 20 minutes, such as to go get a soda. Guests are required to provide access to their lockers or provide urine analysis.
Homelessness is on the rise in American, growing over 20% in the last 5 years. 65% of those considered homeless are chronically homeless – they choose to live that way. Beacon of Hope can only help those who want help and to do differently.
The Beacon of Hope does not accept sex offenders, mainly due to the organizations and youth groups that work in conjunction with the Shelter. Guests are also required to be sober. Mr. Bidleman commented that he has been told by individuals on the street that don’t want to come to the Shelter because ‘they want to get high’.
Going forward, The Beacon of Hope desires to expand their ministry. Mr. Bidleman acknowledged there are not enough services in Fort Dodge for women and children whom are unshelterd or homeless. The thought of knowing what they go through to be offered a bed or couch, and the price they have to pay has the Mission exploring housing women and children in a separate facility.
The presentation is available in it entirety on the Webster County Board of Supervisors Video page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/wciabosvideos/videos/903458991814202
