Cold Weather Program and Homeless Memorial Day

Yesterday, December 1, began the Cold Weather Emergency Program. This program is a collaborative effort among many agencies in the Valley who work with the homeless and near homeless in our community. This program began 21 years ago with a single focus: to insure that no one freezes to death during the coldest part of the winter due to lack of shelter.

Between December 1 and March 30, people in need of shelter may call Help Hotline’s Emergency number and transportation will be provided to the Rescue Mission, the overnight shelter for the program. The numbers are: 1-800-427-3606 or 211 (within Mahoning County). You can read about the program kick off and the Homeless Awareness Walk from today’s Youngstown Vindicator here.

Speaking of cold weather, we are counting down the days until the National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day on December 21. From the National Coalition for the Homeless:

On or around the longest night of the year, December 21, the National Coalition for the Homeless and National Health Care for the Homeless Council hold memorial services for homeless individuals who have died from causes related to their homelessness.

Read the text of the Congressional resolution here.

Thanksgiving at The Mission

 What would Thanksgiving day be without pumpkin pie? Thanks to those who donated delicious pies!

 

Volunteers are so important to the Thanksgivng Day meal.

A feast worthy of a healthy appetite.

Thanksgiving

Each year we have a Thanksgiving service on the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving Day. we share with each other about the things that God s doing in our lives, and then we look to God's Word. This is a small part of the service this morning.

National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week

November 14-20, 2010

National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

 "November 14 – 20, 2010 is National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week. At this time of year, many of us pause to take a moment to consider what we are thankful for. The National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week draws attention to the struggles faced by many of our family members, friends and neighbors that are experiencing hunger and homelessness" (from COOHIO newsletter).

Thanks to Lynn Wyant for arranging this photo of the Mission staff (unfortunately, several are not pictured).

Homeless Man Assaulted

Last Thursday, a 58 year old homeless man was attacked and beaten by a group of young boys aged 9-16. As far as we know, this is the first incident like this in the Valley. Pray that it will be the last. Read the Youngstown Vindicator story here.