If there was a potential to leave no stars I would! Wen checking into the gateway mission I was overwhelmed with emotions because it was the 1st time I ever been in a situation like it! But after I was hopeful talking to staff because they had a program called pathways whitch allows you to save money for 4 months and move out! First month went smooth but One of the requirements when checking in was you're not allowed to smoke or drink! Whitch wasn't a big deal because I have not smoked for 2 weeks prior to checking in! In the 1st month I think I was drug tested 4x each time I dropped dirty they clam they want you clean in 30 day but tht is not possible because I was a chronic smoker n I weigh over 200lbs so it's going to take me more than 30 days to get cleaned! Tim who i guess was a former parole officer who over seen the pathway program thought I was lying about smoking even tho I have not smoked I'm a little over a month! I even had people who could advocate that for me! After my arrival from chicago I had to go though the same process of getting drug tested I dropped dirty of course because it was still in my system! The next day i received a letter basically telling me I was being kicked out the mission for dropping dirty more than 3x I have been faithfully respectful of the program requirements and I was made out to be a lier! As I faithfully was not smoking because I really wanted to see how long it would take to flush out my system! I knew that smoking would get you kicked out so I didn't do it I know how to pass a drug test because I have done it in the past for jobs ex but me being tru to myself I stayed sober! I was working 2 jobs saving up doing what was required of me I could of cheated the system but I didnt! I got kicked out for being 100 percent honest to a person who claims to be a Christian helping people but thier no better than you! Or for you! If you are a smoker and you check into this program I'm telling you now cheat your way though! Because being honest these days dont work anymore! Lucky I have a place I can go to get on my feet but not all others are that fortunate! Hope this helps someone!

A friend of mine, who I have been mentoring for some time, needed emergency shelter. My friend had lost hope until he arrived at Gateway. The optimism I now hear in his voice is encouraging. Thanks Gateway!