DIMH houses single men or those estranged from their families.  Many have recently been released from prison and lack family and friends with homes to return to.  Others come from difficult backgrounds or circumstances which result in their homelessness.  Most have been employed–at least informally–and have lost jobs and the means to support themselves.  After exhausting personal and family resources, they find themselves on the street.  Some have lived under bridges or have camped in the woods, while others have simply run out of places to stay with friends whose own resources are limited.  Still others face physical and mental health challenges or suffer from addictions which have limited their success in the working world.  On occasion, local police pick up someone sleeping on the street and bring him to DIMH.  Many referrals come from local social service agencies, and demand far exceeds supply.  DIMH must turn away eight to twelve men weekly who are in need of shelter.

Each guest begins with an intake process with a DIMH staff member, who documents his background, education, health issues, and reason for homelessness.  If space permits and health and medication do not prohibit his successful integration in the shelter, a man seeking shelter is welcomed into the company of other shelter guests.

DIMH recognizes that it takes a while for most who have “hit bottom” to regain a productive and self-reliant life.  For this reason, we typically limit a stay in the shelter to 90 days and not 30.  During this time, we expect each guest to address any impediments to gaining employment, such as substance abuse and mental health counseling.  We have a number of partnerships with local agencies providing these services.  When ready to work, we assist each guest to prepare a resume and to apply for work for which he is qualified.

Not everyone is able to work.  Some homeless men have serious physical or mental health issues that prevent successful employment.  With the help of a social worker who visits weekly, shelter guests are assisted to apply for public benefits and for disability, if warranted.  As disability income is insufficient to cover the costs of independent living, those receiving disability are encouraged to share local housing with others in similar circumstances.

Each shelter guest able to work is asked to apply for a minimum of three jobs weekly.  An employment counselor has developed contacts with a number of local employers and assists with applications, preparing for interviews, and acquiring transportation. 

The lack of transportation is a major obstacle for homeless men in their search for employment.  DIMH offers three options: For groups of men making applications, a van is available to transport shelter guests.  Individuals traveling outside of downtown Dover are eligible for free bus passes from those purchased in bulk by DIMH.  These are available for job interviews, medical appointments, or for the first week of work to cover transportation costs until a paycheck is received.  For local transportation, bicycles are available.