City of Refuge (Men’s Shelter) Run by Idaho Falls Rescue Mission

Located in down town Idaho Falls, provides services to homeless men 18 years old and older. It was actually the genesis of the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. City of Refuge was established in September of 1999 as a mens emergency shelter offering shelter, meals and clothing. Over the years, City of Refuge has evolved to a community resource serving the evening meal to the hungry in Idaho Falls. We also provide food boxes, hygiene products, shower and laundry facilities to those in need.
City of Refuge currently has 20 beds available in two dorm areas. We also have a classroom, a full commercial grade kitchen and our Sonshine Room where we serve dinner every evening to as many as 120 hungry folks from our community. The Sonshine Room also serves as our location for evening bible studies.

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Dinner Served: 6:00 PM
Call 552-5575 for evening bible study times and topics


Idaho Falls Rescue Mission exists to serve, rescue, and transform those in greatest need through the power and grace of Jesus Christ, using the resources provided by our donors, volunteers and our community. City of Refuge Men's Emergency Shelter, ARK Men's Transitional Housing, Ruth House Women's Transitional Housing, Evergreen Emergency Shelter for women and children.

The Idaho Falls Rescue Mission provides essential services, and hope to homeless men at City of Refuge, and to homeless women, and women with children at the Evergreen Emergency Shelter . Our purpose is to provide emergency shelter, meals, clothing and essentials. Idaho Falls Rescue Mission also offers case management to all who choose to stay with us. This includes life directional counseling, and referrals for educational, employment, medical and disability needs.

Residents at the City of Refuge and Evergreen Emergency Shelter have the opportunity to participate in one of four track programs. Christian Discipleship is available on request.

Transient Track
Transients are allowed to stay for one week. They are provided basic services and will have the opportunity to inquire about other tracks during the entrance interview with the Case Manager.

Fast Track
The Fast Track is designed for those who simply need a place to stay while they find a job and obtain a permanent residence. The timeline designated for this is generally six weeks, but this can change depending on their circumstances. Residents on this track will be expected to aggressively pursue employment, applying at a minimum of 24 locations each week. Each week the resident meets with the Case Manager to discuss the progress and problems with finding employment and housing. After the resident acquires employment, they will be required to complete a budget to live by after they move out.

Gold Track
Residents who are serious about a change in their lives may be interested in the Gold Track. While involved with this track, the resident will evaluate their life, come to terms with their current direction, and take steps to turn it in a direction they would like it to go. In order to do this, the resident will complete a Goals Sheet in which they will make goals addressing topics such as addictions, education/career, employment, finances, mental health, relationships, etc. Following completion of the Goals Sheet the resident and the Case Manager will develop a plan to strive to accomplish these goals. Throughout his stay, the resident meets weekly to discuss progress and possible setbacks with the Case Manager. The Gold Track duration is roughly three months. During these three months the resident will be required to find employment and permanent housing.

Blue Track
The Blue Track is for those coming out of prison/jail. This track is designed to help men or women who do not have the resources to find their own housing, or transition back into society. Those on this track are required to apply before they are released from incarceration. The Blue Track is similar to the Gold Track with a few additions. Upon arriving at the mission, the resident will live according to a very structured time schedule. Later, this schedule will be relaxed in order to help the resident successfully respond to the responsibilities, privileges, and disciplines needed to function in society.

Christian Discipleship
We believe that people are spiritual beings created by God. Therefore, in order for people to become whole it is necessary to be set right with God and to follow Christ. Accordingly, residents participating in all tracks are encouraged, but not required, to participate in Christian discipleship. Discipleship involves, but is not limited to, participating in Bible discussions, setting a time of regular prayer and Bible reading, attending a local church, and meeting regularly with a Christian mentor. Residents who show a desire to change their lives are invited to enroll in our Discipleship Programs.