Sending Prodigals Home

The Good News Rescue Mission (Redding, California) launched the Journey Home program nine years ago to help people experiencing homelessness get back to friends and family across the country. Staffed by volunteers and funded by private donations, the program arranges and pays for travel to reunite individuals with people and support systems they lack in Shasta County.

Interested parties must apply to participate in the program, and many of those accepted request transportation to places where they have family or friends. Justin Wandro, director of community partnerships, explains that they must have "a strong support system and people who are willing to commit to helping (them) get back on their feet" upon reaching their destination. The mission follows up with those who have “journeyed home” to check in and see how they have settled in.