YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — It’s that time of year again and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley is preparing for the holiday season.
The rescue mission is an important part of the continuum of care, addressing the needs of the homeless and providing shelter and meeting the basic needs of people in the community.
CEO John Muckridge spoke in-depth Monday about new programs and the mission’s new facility, which people may not be aware of.
Since moving into the new facility, Muckridge says they’ve been able to increase the number of people they serve.
“We have 186 beds for folks who come in who are men, women or children experiencing homelessness. So we have a capacity of 186 and then we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year. And on average, we’re averaging about 400 meals a day now at the rescue mission, which has also increased since the new building has been built,” Muckridge said.
The meals are for residents as well as the public.
“Breakfast starts early in the morning, 5:30, and goes till about 7:30. Lunch starts at noon, goes to about 1:30, 2:00, and then dinner starts at 5:00, goes to about 7:00,” Muckridge said.
Individuals in the community in need of a good meal can come to the rescue mission.
“We’re just not serving the folks that are staying at the shelter…But the folks that maybe are choosing not to come to the shelter for whatever reason, they’re still able to come in and grab a meal throughout the day.”
The new shelter now also provides separation in the facility for families and the female and male population.
“So we have one side of the building that houses 100 single men, men that are staying there by themselves. And then we have the other side of the building, which has 86 beds, and that houses single women, women with small children, dads with kids, husbands and wives — whole family units there on that side of the building as well,” Muckridge said.
The rescue has been able to provide these services without government funding.
“We do not receive any government funding. Our main purpose at the rescue mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to every soul that we can. And so we don’t receive government funding. So we have the ability, because of the generosity of the local individuals, local businesses, local foundations and local churches, to continue to fulfill the mission, which was established in 1893 and by God’s grace, has been able to sustain all of the changes in the country,” Muckridge said.
Tuesday, Muckridge continues the conversation about the meal schedule for Thanksgiving.
