Butte Rescue Mission opens Center of Hope before Easter

Butte, Mont. — The Butte Rescue Mission opened its new Center of Hope this week just before Easter, expanding how the homeless shelter serves people in need.

The new building marks the end of a $2.5 million project that turned an empty warehouse on the Rescue Mission's campus into a completed facility.

The Center of Hope provides the Rescue Mission a kitchen five times the size of the old one, as well as a dining hall that can seat 100 people. The need for these expanded resources is prompt, as director Brayton Erickson says that the Rescue Mission served 111,000 meals last year out of smaller facilities.

"This space is beautiful, and it helps people feel better about themselves," Erickson said. "We're not just all in one little cramped spot. That really is a barrier, when there’s personality conflicts, mental illness, or addiction issues around where people come to get food. This is really going to alleviate a lot of that."

Erickson expects to seen an increase of 20 to 25% percent in annual meal service.

Additionally, the Rescue Mission will be celebrating the Center of Hope's completion with an Easter meal on Sunday, as well as other activities.

"We expect 200 or so meals served Sunday," Erickson said. "We have a neighborhood Easter egg hunt for the kids that are staying here and the kids in our neighborhood. We have about 2,000 Easter eggs that we give away, and we're packing candy in there and a lot of fun goodies. So, we’re looking forward to all the activities."

Residents of the Rescue Mission will also be invited to an Easter chapel service.

Though the Rescue Mission says that is currently has a surplus of food and clothing due to mild winter, donations from the community are still welcome at all times.