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: 46 years
Number Served in FY 2013: 778 individuals, some of whom were served by more than one program
Facilities: 355 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, PA

• Four 100-year old buildings
• 117 beds: 66 emergency shelter beds, 51 program beds
• 50 seat dining room
• 56 seat worship center

Staff: 26 Full-time and 7 Part-time staff

Programs:

Gateway Center (Emergency Shelter)

• 66 beds for homeless men
• Free services include nutritious meals, personal care items, beds, clothing, shower facilities, referrals/placements and chapel services
• Referrals and placement with other agencies, if needed
• Provides opportunities to enter the Mission's long-term programs to help resolve the problems causing homelessness and to end it permanently
• An average 15-day stay limit to encourage guests to seek employment and strive for self-sufficiency
• Open 3:30 PM to 8:15 PM

 

Christian Living and Values Program

• ​Residential program for self-sufficiency and permanent recovery from homelessness
• Case managers help clients manage life skills so they can find permanent housing and stabilization
• Many clients are employed, unless unable due to physical or mental disabilities
• Clients are encouraged to worship and to fellowship in a local congregation of their choice
• Weekly Bible study, daily devotions with staff, evening chapel with local church groups
• Helps clients acquire new job skills, stabilize their mental or physical health
• 30-day progress review on clients
• Individualized case management plans guide and measure progress in achieving goals

 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.

In 2014, 37 men obtained permanent employment placement through the Clean Team!

 

Range of Services:

Ending Homelessness:  Assisting clients with finding available, permanent housing.

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.

Counseling and Case Management: Professional guidance in resolving life issues.

Transportation Assistance: Bus tickets, driving clients to appointments or to work.

Medical Tests, Medication Assistance: The Mission pays for medical needs not covered by welfare or third-party services.

Medical Care: In partnership with DeSales University, medical services are provided to homeless men and program graduates.