Wednesday, December 23, 2015

5 Realities of a Homeless Shelter at Christmas


“Most people dream of a white Christmas, with a thick shimmering layer of fresh snow blanketing the world, wrapping everything you know in a cozy embrace.” So begins an article from the website “Cracked” entitled “5 Realities of a Homeless Shelter at Christmas.” The writer then makes this startling observation; “a white Christmas can [expletive] murder you.”
The post is rather cynical and is peppered with profanity, but the points made are valid and important.  They are summarized here:

#5 – People Treat the Homeless as Props.

These shelters, says Brock Lee, a worker among homeless charities in the UK, “exist to help people with serious problems. They do not exist to round up sideshows and parade them around for gawkers or to help regular folks to gain perspective on their own lives.” It is not completely uncommon to receive a call from parents who want to bring their children to serve meals at the Mission so the children will be more appreciative of the benefits they have. The Rescue Mission does not exist to provide a “scared straight” lesson for unappreciative children. We exist to help at risk individuals who are at crisis points in their lives.

#4 – Don’t Expect Everyone to Be Grateful
Some have a “bad volunteer experience” because they expect people at the shelter to be overjoyed with gratitude that someone would leave the comfort of their homes for an hour or so to serve them food. In reality, many who are accustomed to the street have genuine trust issues, particularly when it comes to strangers. Besides, some know that this is a “feel-good” experience for the volunteer and there is little thought for lasting help. Admittedly, some of the individuals that you will meet at the Mission will be extremely thankful for your service. Unfortunately, some will not.

#3 – Donations are Bizarrely Random
Missions often receive items that someone cannot use or don’t know how to use. We have received broken microwave ovens, with the idea that someone here could repair it; we’ve received opened and partially used bottles of vitamins, OTC medications, and such like. Many of the items donated to us are exactly what we need.  Sometimes, charities become a substitute dumpster.

#2 – Homelessness Kills
Fortunately we are in an El Nino weather pattern in the North East, which, so far, has meant a mild, warmer-than-average winter. Last winter was brutal. People living on the streets are at great risk in cold weather. In fact, hypothermia does not require brutal cold to set in.

#1 – Breaking through Isn’t Easy But it Does Happen
There are stories of individuals who have broken the cycle of homelessness, poverty, and addiction.  The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley has taken pro-active measures to increase expectations and accountability to lift people from this vicious cycle. The added component in our approach is the gospel of Christ. Without apology, we are a gospel rescue mission, cleverly disguised as a homeless shelter. In the end, we cannot change anyone. However, we serve a Savior who can change everyone through the life changing message of the gospel.

Friday, December 11, 2015

O Christmas Tree


This is the third year that the Mission has placed a tree at Mill Creek Park's Fellow's Riverside Gardens Davis Center. The theme this year is "A Winter Celebration." This event is sponsored by WKBN, WYFX, and Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. In addition to their regular hours, according to their press release,
Every Saturday and Sunday, the Gardens will be open until 8 p.m. so that everyone can enjoy the Electric Garden, where the grounds will be lit with thousands of twinkling lights... Guests will also be able to experience over 40 live fir trees on display throughout the Davis Center uniquely decorated by local non-profit organizations."
Stop and visit the display and look for the tree decorated by our Development staff.

 

 

Monday, December 7, 2015

Another Graduation

Doug Gough with our graduates
For only the second time, the Rescue Mission graduated 5 men from its Discipleship Academy. This celebration was held this past Friday in the dining hall at the shelter on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. You can watch a 19 minute clip of the graduation and a video of one of our graduates, Roger Young, singing to close the program. Congratulations John Dalton, Chris Dengard, Mike Entler, Brad Flachbart, and Roger Young.

 
 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Thank You

This video "Thank You" card is sent with gratitude to all who gave of their time and resources to help serve those who seek shelter at the Rescue Mission.

 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Cold Weather

Although the weather forecast sounds more like Fall, today is the first day of the Cold Weather Emergency Program. The program, sponsored by Help Hotline and now in its 26th year, runs December 1 through March 31. The Cold Weather Program is a cooperation among many of the agencies that comprise the Mahoning County Homeless Continuum of Care.

Before the kick-off news conference, which was held at the Rescue Mission, representatives from cooperating agencies participated in the annual Homeless Awareness Walk. This year they walked from the Covelli Center in downtown Youngstown, to the Rescue Mission on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.