A Haven in Idaho Falls: The Haven offers life-saving shelter to women and families

IDAHO FALLS — As millions pause to count their blessings this Thanksgiving, homeless families and women are receiving relief from one local organization providing warmth, a temporary home and meals during Idaho’s bitter, freezing winter.

The Haven, located at 2480 South Yellowstone Highway, recently expanded to full capacity — combining services with the Ruth House to provide emergency shelter for those with no place to call home.

Cheryl Takacs, of Pocatello, shared her story of survival since becoming homeless in August.

“I found myself homeless after my friend had committed suicide, and I was living with her,” she said.

Without the help of the Haven in Idaho Falls, she would have nowhere to turn.

“I’d have been literally on the streets. I had no vehicle,” Takacs said. “And, you know, everybody seems to be having a really hard time with life, and they can’t just take you in like you would expect.”

Women or families can stay at the Haven for 30, 60 or 90 days as they recover and save up money to move into their own housing.

Since coming to the Haven, Takacs has been able to start recovering emotionally, improve herself and find work as a driver.

“I was so low that I had no self-worth and knowing that I didn’t have to worry so much about where to live has helped me immensely, and knowing that I had time to get a job while I was here,” she said.

She also appreciates the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission’s religious emphasis as part of its recovery program.

“I think my faith has helped with that immensely, and they promote that here which I love,” Takacs said. “We pray before each meal, and you know you have support from the staff, and they are great.”

Takacs is one of 80 to 100 people that the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission serves every night between its three shelters — the Haven, the City of Refuge and the Ruth House, said Director of Development Chris Aspinall.

“In the winter, the need is much greater,” Aspinall said. “In a lot of cases, we’re finding places for people to stay. We’re getting them hotel rooms. We’re getting them over to the crisis center. … We also have emergency beds that we can set up in our offices and in other places just to get through the night.”

In below-freezing temperatures, the Haven, Ruth House and City of Refuge provide a literal lifeline to those in need.

“That cold can be deadly, and we don’t want to lose anybody if we can avoid it,” Aspinall said. “We’re doing whatever we need to get them in a warm space on those super cold nights.”

Homelessness can be caused by a variety of circumstances, he said, including educational, emotional and financial issues.

“About 30% of the national population has addiction issues,” Aspinall said. “Another 30% have mental health issues, and then the balance are people that have just they’ve just had a rough time.”

Job loss, a car accident, health challenges and emergencies can all spiral into homelessness, he said.

“The ladies don’t stay here that long. Moms don’t stay here (long). They’re motivated to get moving,” Aspinall said.

In 2023, the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission provided “33,336 meals, 9,315 safe nights of sleep and 4,576 clothing units” to members of the community, its website states. 516 guests were sheltered, and volunteers offered 4,628 hours of service.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelters have been running near capacity year-round — the men and women’s shelter are full during the summer, and the family shelter is 75% occupied even in warmer months, Aspinall said.

Over the last two and a half years, the rescue mission has more than doubled its capacity from 50 to 130 beds available each evening.

“(Homelessness) can happen to anyone. I was, you know, raised in a (good) family. I mean, not rich, but with morals and values. And I have moved up here because my mother passed, and I was taking care of her, and I’ve been kind of lost,” Takacs said. “So I just am being helped to find my way, and I think going forward and staying here at the Haven is just helping me immensely.”

Learn more about how the Haven is “Workin’ It” to help homeless individuals get back on their feet in the video above.

For additional “Workin’ It” episodes click here.