Our Mission

Our purpose is to serve the homeless, abused, and mentally ill, helping them to become contributing, active members of society. We are committed to assisting those we serve in breaking the cycle and realize a fresh start by looking not only to their physical requirements but also addressing their spiritual and social needs.

Our main focus as a homeless project is on meeting immediate needs followed by recovery through an integrated one-on-one mentoring program. Recall the ancient proverb: if you give a person a fish they eat for a day, but teach them to fish and they can feast for a lifetime. Here at Fresh Start Inc. we strive to provide a safe haven so those in need can learn to fish.

History

Fresh Start Inc. was founded in August 2002 by local Kiwanis members.

In 2004 Fresh Start Inc. identified the need for a Day Center for the homeless with first priority going to mentally ill, followed by women and children. The first location was on Coeur d'Alene Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets.

In 2009 the location moved to a recently renovated space at 1524 Sherman Avenue. Though we lost extensive cooking facilities and meal serving space, we gained increased and better appointed space with more light, better restrooms and showers, and space enough for several computers.

Fresh Start Inc. is a project willing and able to help Kootenai County homeless, that have no where else to turn. Please spread the word.