Rescue Mission Facts

The Organization:

Purpose: Rescue, rehabilitation and restoration for people in crisis.
Founded: 1900
Core Values: Christ-centered; compassion; restoration; enrichment; excellence; leadership.
Governance: Local Board of Directors (not part of any national organization)
Charity Status: Non-profit corporation, IRS 501(c)(3), registered with the PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations
Religious Affiliation: Christian, non-denominational
Clients: Adult men
Average age: 35 years
Number Served in FY 2008: 831 individuals, some of whom were served by more than one program
Facilities: 355 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA

• Two 100-year old buildings
• 94 beds: 48 emergency shelter beds, 46 program beds
• 55 seat dining room
• 56 seat worship and learning center

Staff: 24 full time; 2 part-time

Programs:

1. Gateway Center (Emergency Shelter)
   • 48 beds for homeless men
   • open 5:20PM to 8:00AM
   • 15 day limit to encourage guests to seek employment and strive for self-sufficiency
   • provides opportunities to enter the Mission’s long-term programs to help resolve the problems causing homelessness and to end it permanently
   • referrals to and placement with other agencies if needed
   • Free services include nutritious meals, personal care items, beds, clothing, shower facilities, referrals/placements and chapel services
   • Number served in FY 2008: 605 individuals


2. Life Recovery Treatment Program (drug and alcohol addiction treatment)
   • fully state-licensed variable length of stay, inpatient (PA Dept. of Health Facility #397041)
   • long-term, and short- term residential care by a certified, professional staff
   • spiritually-based approach to recovery
   • individualized treatment plans
   • individual counseling and group therapy sessions
   • Goals are: recovery from addiction, spiritual renewal, and the restoration of the man to his family and community
   • Fees: none are charged to clients or medical plans. No client who is sincere about recovery is denied services because of funding difficulties
   • privately funded, largely by individual, church, and business contributions
   • Success rate: from admission - 69%
   • Number served in FY 2008: 104 individuals


3. Christian Living and Values Transitional Program
   • Residential program for self-sufficiency and permanent recovery from homelessness
   • individualized case management plans guide and measure progress in achieving goals
   • 30 day progress review on clients
   • helps clients acquire new job skills, stabilize their mental or physical health
   • weekly Bible study, daily devotions with staff, evening chapel with local church groups
   • clients are encouraged to worship and to fellowship in a local congregation of their choice
   • many clients are employed, unless unable due to physical or mental disabilities
   • case managers help clients manage life skills so they can find permanent housing and stabilization
   • Success rate: 77%
   • Number served in FY 2008: 122 individuals


4. Community Services - Permanent Housing
   • Since permanent housing is one significant goal for all clients, the Mission operates 37 apartments, available to its client graduates, and to help prevent disabled people and others in crisis from losing their housing (becoming homeless)
   • 33% of Mission tenants are disabled


5. The Clean Team
   
   The Clean Team is a project employing clients who are working their way out of homelessness. It gives them a start on becoming productive workers. It is also a training program, teaching them how to be prompt, safe, attentive, cooperative and productive. Using litter pickup as a platform, Clean Team workers learn workplace skills so they can succeed in almost any work environment.

Financial Information

Operating Budget: $2,946,200 (FY 2009)
Funding Sources:

Range of Services

• Ending Homelessness: Make permanent housing available to our clients.
• Restoration: Provide stable living situations through our Christian Living and Values Transitional program.
• The Ministry Experience: Staff provides morning devotions, evening chapel, Bible study and prayer.
• Rescue from the Streets: Emergency shelter, meals and clothing.
• Rehabilitation: Life Recovery Treatment Program provides Drug and Alcohol residential treatment.
• Counseling and Case Management: Professional guidance in resolving life crisis.
• Psychiatric Services: Provide services to clients with mental health issues.
• Transportation Assistance: Bus tickets, driving clients to appointments or to work.
• Doctor Visits, Medical Tests, Medication Assistance: Mission pays for medical needs not covered by welfare or third party services.