Churches help Rescue Mission

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Fourteen local churches are having special collections Sunday or later in the summer to help the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, which is facing a $100,000 deficit by Sept. 30, the end of its fiscal year.

Youngstown Mayor Charles Sammarone has declared Sunday “Summer Relief Day” to highlight the Rescue Mission’s financial crisis and help it with general operating expenses.

Participating churches to date are: Maranatha Church, St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, Disciples Christian Church, Lockwood United Methodist, Western Reserve United Methodist, Sovereign Grace Chapel, Vienna United Methodist, Bethel Lutheran, Central Christian, Word in Action Ministry, St. Maron Parish, Calvary Baptist, Christian Life Center and Common Ground Church.

The Rescue Mission is experiencing a heavy reduction in giving amid an increased need for services.

With just three months left in the Mission’s fiscal calendar, the Mission’s Board of Directors has determined that, if current giving patterns continue, and the need for services remains steady, the organization could experience a $100,000 deficit by Sept. 30, said Jim Echement, executive director.

During the late spring months in the past few years, the number of people needing overnight shelter at the Mission was around 61 each night.

Now, the number of people requiring emergency shelter is increasing and the Mission is housing an average of 91 men, women and children each night,” he said.

The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, which has a history of service to the Mahoning Valley since 1893, receives no government funding and is supported by gifts from individuals, foundations, churches and companies.

“All donations made to the Mission stay in the Valley to support our neighbors in need,” Echement said.

The Rescue Mission provides food, shelter, safety and a second chance to anyone in need and is open 24 hours a day, he said.

Individuals, churches and organizations not participating in the “Summer Relief” event who wish to give may do so online at www.RescueMissionMV.org or send a gift to Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley Summer Relief, 2246 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511.

For information on finances of the Mission contact Echement at 330-744-5485.