By Rebecca Heath
The Rescue Mission of Trenton — armed with a variety of resources and support from local non-profits — provides addiction recovery services through a mobile outreach initiative designed to meet people where they are.
The initiative supports individuals who are struggling with addiction in the Mercer County area, in partnership with Catholic Charities, Henry J. Austin Health Center and Iron Recovery & Wellness Center.
Staffed by peer recovery specialists, the van hits the road six days per week.
The specialists, some of whom have recovered from addiction or faced homelessness themselves, aim to build relationships, while serving as role models to individuals at all stages in their recovery.
The van primarily travels early in the morning to places where people experiencing homelessness tend to congregate.
Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has created a profound impact, and has grown to be an established and trusted resource
in underserved communities throughout the county.
According to The Mission, the initiative delivers coffee, food and clothing, dispenses Narcan kits, provides addiction treatment, ar-
ranges medical treatment and transports individuals in need of
housing assistance to The Shelter.
The Mission’s Behavioral Health Center, which is a state-licensed
treatment facility, offers both short-term and long-term support for individuals battling addiction, according to the organization’s website.
“With the vast capabilities of our unique partnerships, this outreach program is allowing us to provide what is needed, for individuals struggling with addiction — engaging this in their healing process,” said Barret Young, CEO of The Mission.
According to Chalia Perry, peer recovery specialist, the team aims to empower the individuals they serve through consistency and compassion.
“Showing up every single day, I think that plays a big part. … I’m
not in a fancy suit. I’m just me in rare form,” Perry said. “They take
me with all my aspects the same way I take them.”
For Perry, sharing her own experiences with homelessness allows her to develop trust and meaningful relationships with patrons.
“Where somebody else might shy away from them, from giving them a hug or saying hello, we’re there,” Perry said. “This is not just my job,
this is my family. This is what we get up for every day.”