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Mission Highlights Articles

Mission Possible VIII

July 28, 2023

City Mission’s eighth annual Mission Possible 5K Run/1 Mile Walk, presented by AccuTrex Products, Inc. and benefiting the Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House for homeless veterans, will be held at Peterswood Park in Venetia on Saturday, August 5 at 8am. ”This is a unique run because it was conceived to benefit a shelter for homeless veterans, and veterans feature prominently in the opening ceremonies and the event itself,” said City Mission Chief Development Officer, Dr. Sally Mounts, a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army. The event was started eight years ago by Jeff McCartney, a local realtor and board member for the City Mission Board of Directors, as a way to raise funds in support of City Mission’s Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House, which opened in July 2018 and houses 22 homeless veterans, helping to restore them to independent living. Once again, this year’s Presenting Sponsor for the event is AccuTrex Products, Inc., a manufacturing company headquartered in Canonsburg. AccuTrex President and CEO, Marty Beichner, was named Pittsburgh’s Vetrepeneur of the Year in 2020, a prestigious honor presented annually to one of the region’s outstanding veteran business owners. “Marty and his wife Judy are long-time supporters of City Mission,” said Sally Mounts. “Marty was a Corpsman on the ground in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion 26th Marines, and he understands veterans’ needs at such a visceral level.” US Army veteran, John, came to live at City Mission last September and found new life at the Crabtree-Kovacicek Veterans House. Before coming to the Mission, he desperately needed surgery. He was fighting every day through the pain. Since coming to the Crabtree-Kovacicek Veterans House, John has had four life-changing operations. The Mission supported him in his healing process by transporting him to and from medical appointments, connecting him with Veterans’ services and benefits, visiting him in the hospital, giving him meals and a place to sleep for as long as needed, and offering him love and encouragement at every step along the way. Now, he is on the road to recovery, but the Mission didn’t just help him physically. “I thought I came to the Mission because I needed surgery,” John said, “but God brought me here to learn lessons of humility and faith and trust. The people here have really been a blessing for me. The Mission has helped me to heal, and it has also given me an opportunity to be of service to God by serving others.” As a resident assistant in the Crabtree House, John helps mentor the other residents and supports new residents as they learn about and acclimate to our program. He also volunteers in our Career Training and Education Center where he helps City Mission residents obtain identification cards and find a job that is right for them. “The Vets program at City Mission is awesome,” John said. “There is a group of people coming together with common knowledge of what’s available for veterans. And the staff here is really looking to see you succeed, and it’s all out of love. I’m glad that I came to City Mission. I’m glad that I’ve met the people that I’ve met here.” At City Mission’s veterans shelter, John has restored physically, but he has also renewed his sense of faith, purpose, dignity, and belonging. You can help other veterans just like John turn their lives around. Learn more or register today for the eighth annual Mission Possible 5K Run/1 Mile Walk at www.missionpossiblerun.org.

82 Years of Bringing Hope to the Homeless

July 14, 2023

This past week, I walked past an old, framed photo on the wall in our Administration building. It was a picture of Reverend Burt McCausland and his wife, Avis. 82 years ago, Rev. McCausland founded City Mission, and together, he and his wife operated the homeless shelter for 35 years. Everything that City Mission has become today began as Rev. McCausland’s vision and his prayers for a safe, welcoming place for those who had lost all hope. In 1940, Rev. McCausland, age 29, was co-owner of a small store in downtown Washington. He and his sister, Dorothy, were on the steps talking out in front of the store one night. Next door was a bar. The door of the bar suddenly swung open and two men tossed a little, old man out onto the sidewalk. The old man tried to stand up, but he couldn’t. He fell several times. Eventually, the police came and hauled him away. The encounter left Rev. McCausland in tears, and he vowed to find a way to have a place for people like that little, old man – a place where they could be treated with compassion and kindness. On February 8, 1941, he made good on his promise when he founded City Mission in a small storefront on South Main Street. It all started with a service, a meal, and few makeshift beds on the floor. Avis Pattison was the pianist and singer for McCausland’s first services at City Mission. In September of 1943, McCausland and Pattison were married, and they became co-superintendents of the Mission. By 1945, City Mission was an established and respected pillar in the community, having offered over 5,000 meals and 3,000 nights of shelter since its inception. Rev. McCausland personally wrote letters to community members several times a year asking for donations. And he wrote thank you letters as often as he could. In 1947, WJPA radio began a weekly broadcast called the “Amazing Grace” program, which was hosted by Rev. McCausland for the next 30 years. Together, the Rev. and Mrs. McCausland conducted regular services at the Mission, a weekly service at the County Jail, and open-air services on the Courthouse steps, with Rev. McCausland preaching the Word and Avis providing the music. City Mission grew very quickly, and soon, they were offering Sunday School classes and child evangelism classes. Eventually, they opened a Gospel bookstore to help raise extra funds. Soon after that, they opened their first Thrift Store and began a recycling enterprise to supplement their fundraising efforts. In 1957, City Mission provided 24,522 meals and 8,233 nights of shelter. And the Mission continued to grow and to help more and more people change their lives and reconnect with their families. Rev. McCausland kept meticulous records, and in the 35 years that he and his wife ran the Mission, they were able to help 35,000 people in need. Together, they led the Mission until 1977, when Avis passed away. Reverend McCausland retired and moved to Florida. He knew if he stayed anywhere near Washington, he would be at the Mission every day, and he didn’t want to interfere with the new leadership. He passed away in 1985. His funeral was held in the City Mission chapel. 81 years later, in 2022, City Mission provided over 105,000 meals and 38,000 nights of shelter. We distributed over 7,000 bags of groceries for the community and offered more than 17,000 services in our medical clinic. The Mission has expanded to serve four separate homeless populations across five distinct shelters, with a 170-bed capacity. We operate 8 Thrift Stores, offer medical services at our on-campus medical clinic, and run a Career Training and Education Center than helped 116 men and women find jobs in the past year. I hope that if the McCauslands were still alive today and if they came to take a tour of our campus, they would be happy with the ways we are serving the community. I believe they would appreciate the love we show every day to our residents and the small kindnessess that are evident in every room on our campus. We invite you to come and visit us and take a tour of City Mission. If you haven’t been here in the past five years, you will be amazed at all the changes. Come and check us out! And see what 82 years of bringing hope to the homeless looks like. Call us at 724-222-8530 to schedule a tour or visit our website at www.citymission.org.

HEIRS Model: Empowering Transformation through Holistic Care

June 22, 2023

In a previous blog post, we provided an overview of the HEIRS model's history and background. In this article, we shift our focus to the unique aspects of the HEIRS components, highlighting their critical role in addressing the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. By examining each element in detail, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the HEIRS model guides our programs and fosters lasting change. The Significance of the HEIRS Model: What sets City Mission apart is our unwavering commitment to achieving tangible results. While we recognize the importance of providing immediate necessities like housing and meals, our focus extends beyond these essential services. The HEIRS Model allows us to measure outcomes, track progress, and continuously improve our programs. By prioritizing results, we can effectively break the cycle of homelessness and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Housing: Stable Shelter as a Foundation The "H" in the HEIRS model represents "Housing." Housing is a fundamental component of our approach to addressing homelessness and is recognized as a critical first step towards stability and independence. Within the HEIRS model, the focus on housing goes beyond providing a temporary shelter. City Mission is dedicated to offering safe, stable, and supportive housing options that empower individuals to rebuild their lives. The goal is to create an environment where people can thrive and make progress towards their personal and professional goals. Our housing initiatives encompass various programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families. These initiatives include emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. Each program is designed to offer not only physical space but also comprehensive support services, including case management, life skills training, employment assistance, and access to healthcare and mental health services. By addressing the immediate need for housing and providing ongoing support, City Mission aims to break the cycle of homelessness and equip individuals with the tools and resources they need to achieve long-term stability. Employment: Building Pathways to Sustainable Work Employment is a key element in breaking the cycle of homelessness, as it provides individuals with the opportunity to gain a stable income, improve their financial situation, and regain their independence. We believe that sustainable employment is instrumental in fostering long-term stability and self-sufficiency for the individuals we serve. Our approach to employment within the HEIRS model is comprehensive, encompassing a range of initiatives and services designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in the job market. Through our job readiness training programs, we ensure that individuals are equipped with essential skills and prepared to confidently enter the workforce. These programs cover a variety of topics, including resume writing, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, and job search strategies. By providing tailored workshops and individualized coaching, we empower individuals to navigate the job market with confidence and competence. To enhance employability, we offer vocational skills development programs that focus on honing specific job-related skills. Participants have the opportunity to receive training in various industries, such as culinary arts, construction, customer service, office administration, and more. Our goal is to align training opportunities with local employment needs and individual interests, ensuring that individuals are equipped with in-demand skills. We firmly believe that by addressing the employment needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, we can empower them to break free from the cycle of poverty, regain their self-sufficiency, and thrive in their communities. Income: Financial Stability for Long-Term Success The "I" in our HEIRS model stands for "Income," reflecting our recognition of the critical role that financial stability and income play in helping individuals rebuild their lives. We are dedicated to helping people secure and manage sustainable income that supports their journey toward independence and long-term stability. Income is more than just a paycheck—it represents the means by which individuals can meet their basic needs, afford housing, access healthcare, and support themselves and their families. Our focus on the "Income" component within the HEIRS model aims to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to achieve financial well-being and break free from the cycle of poverty. We provide comprehensive financial literacy and money management programs that equip individuals with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Our workshops cover topics such as budgeting, saving, debt management, and financial planning. By fostering financial literacy, we empower individuals to develop healthy financial habits, set realistic goals, and effectively manage their income to meet their needs both now and in the future. Recovery: Overcoming Drug and Alcohol Addiction The "R" in our HEIRS model stands for "Recovery," a vital element in our holistic approach at City Mission. We recognize that people experiencing homelessness often face significant obstacles in the form of drug and alcohol addiction, hindering their path to independence. Consequently, we are dedicated to addressing these challenges head-on and providing unwavering support to individuals on their journey toward recovery. Upon entering our program, individuals undergo a thorough assessment to identify their specific needs and identify any barriers related to drug and alcohol addiction. We offer an array of services, both on our campus and in collaboration with external treatment providers, to address these challenges effectively. Our primary objective is to connect individuals with the appropriate resources and treatment modalities, enabling them to overcome addiction and establish a solid foundation for sustained recovery. While on our campus, individuals have access to a variety of support mechanisms, including group sessions, educational classes, and participation in 12-step recovery programs. We believe that recovery can take many forms, and our approach aims to provide individuals with diverse avenues to address their addiction and regain control of their lives. Spirituality: Nurturing the Inner Journey Spirituality is a cornerstone of the HEIRS model at City Mission, recognizing the profound impact it has on an individual's journey to recovery and overall well-being. We acknowledge that spirituality is a deeply personal and unique aspect of each person's life, encompassing beliefs, values, and the search for meaning and purpose. The spiritual component of the HEIRS model encourages individuals to connect with their inner selves, seek spiritual guidance, and discover sources of inspiration and strength. It offers an opportunity for self-reflection, introspection, and the exploration of values that can guide individuals towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Within our program, individuals have the opportunity to engage in activities that nurture their spiritual well-being. These may include meditation sessions, mindfulness practices, prayer groups, spiritual counseling, or participation in faith-based programs if desired. We also foster an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, and non-judgment, allowing individuals to freely express and explore their spiritual beliefs without fear of prejudice or exclusion. Measuring Success with the HEIRS Model: City Mission is committed to delivering measurable results through the HEIRS Model. We track success by monitoring housing stability, employment retention, income growth, recovery milestones, and spiritual development. This data-driven approach enables us to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs, make informed adjustments, and ensure that individuals receive the support they need for long-term success. Our HEIRS Model is a testament to our dedication to transforming the lives of homeless individuals. By addressing the components of Housing, Employment, Income, Recovery, and Spirituality, we offer a holistic approach that empowers individuals to overcome barriers and achieve lasting independence. Your support can make a life-changing difference for individuals on their journey to recovery and independence. By donating to City Mission, you can directly contribute to the success of the HEIRS model and help transform lives.

HEIRS to the Kingdom

June 2, 2023

City Mission’s HEIRS model is a proprietary method for tracking the effectiveness of our programs and services in helping residents move from homelessness to independence. For every resident, we evaluate their progress throughout their stay at the Mission in these five categories: housing, employment, income, recovery, and spirituality. We believe that success in these five areas can lead to life transformation. “Our program is designed to get results,” explained City Mission President/CEO Dean Gartland, who pioneered this model 19 years ago. By focusing on these outcomes, we can identify strengths and weaknesses within our program and formulate strategies for improvement–with the goal of helping as many people as possible find success on their journey to independence. In 2004, Gartland began a research project to identify how agencies who work with the homeless measure success. His goals were to create a data-driven model for evaluating the success of homelessness programs and also to collect key data points to demonstrate programmatic success to donors and grant-funding agencies.Gartland devised a questionnaire that he sent out to numerous organizations, asking them a series of questions regarding how they measure the success of their programs. The responses to his questionnaire identified five key metrics common across nearly all of these agencies: housing, employment, income, recovery, and spirituality. And the HEIRS model was born.Gartland adopted James 2:5 as the Biblical foundation of the HEIRS program. It reads, “Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?”When he came to City Mission in 2008 as Vice President and Director of Programs, Gartland introduced his HEIRS model to City Mission and began building a program around it. The effectiveness of the program was immediately apparent, and Gartland was appointed President/CEO of City Mission two years later. Today, our current Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich, still uses HEIRS as the primary method for evaluating the success of our programs. “HEIRS is the proof in the pudding that our program is working,” she explained. “And it also shows us areas where we need to improve. Over time, we began to see that our residents need different things, their barries are changing. Recently, we have seen a skewing of age toward a younger demographic who are finding themselves homeless. And the HEIRS model helps us to see how we can adjust to best meet those needs.”One of the amazing things about the HEIRS model is that it is not just valuable organizationally, but it is also incredibly helpful to our residents as a tool for monitoring their individual progress through our program. Gartland continues to emphasize the importance of making sure that residents know about the goals and outcomes when they come into the program, so our staff can work alongside them to help them achieve success, because our success as an organization is just a function of our residents’ individual successes as they move from homelessness to independence. Dietrich agrees. “It’s exciting for our residentsto track their progress, and it’s exciting for us to see our residents move through that struggle and find their a-ha moments along the way. Our residents will complete a self-assessment and then compare it to our Housing Coordinator’s assessment of their progress, and it can start a valuable conversation and help us work together to establish goals and create personalized treatment plans with each resident.”Between 2017-2020, using the HEIRS model, City Mission achieved an overall success rate of 64% including a 78% success rate in finding sustainable housing.Those successes are a testament to the diligent work of our residents and staff working together to establish and achieve personal goals to overcome barriers, and our proprietary HEIRS model facilitates the collaboration that generates that continued success.You can partner with us in our mission to bring hope to the homeless. Please consider donating today at http://www.citymission.org/donate. Thank you for your compassion for those in need.

Causes of Homelessness: Understanding the Problem

May 23, 2023

At City Mission, we know firsthand the damaging effects of homelessness on Pennsylvania's individuals, families, and communities. And while there are many causes of homelessness, losing a job, medical bills, domestic violence, addiction, and mental illness are significant factors or triggers that may lead to homelessness. While identifying the causes of homelessness is important, homelessness is a symptom of deeper social and economic problems that require comprehensive solutions. This article will delve into these complex factors and explore our efforts to address them while providing essential services and resources to those in need. As a Christ-Centered organization, we believe that every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We are dedicated to being a compassionate force for good, positively impacting our community by providing love and support to struggling individuals. Job Loss: A Common Precursor to Homelessness Job loss is a key driver of homelessness. Economic uncertainties have resulted in many individuals losing their jobs, often due to layoffs or circumstances beyond their control. This sudden decline in income and the rising cost of living can snowball into financial instability, further complicating the ability to meet basic needs such as paying rent, purchasing food, or seeking healthcare. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, "Unemployment and underemployment are significant drivers of homelessness, particularly for those who lack a strong social network or other support systems. Job loss or wage reductions can quickly lead to the inability to pay for housing, and subsequently, homelessness." We believe in the value of work and the dignity that comes from being able to support oneself and one's family. We strive to support individuals by providing job training and employment assistance programs that help them regain their financial footing and become self-sufficient. Medical Bills: A Barrier to Stability Another root cause of homelessness is medical bills. Unfortunately, healthcare costs in the United States can be exorbitant, and many people find themselves facing overwhelming medical debt. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has projected national health expenditures to grow at an annual rate of 5.4 percent from 2019 to 2028, outpacing inflation and economic growth. When individuals cannot pay their medical bills or lose income due to medical-related issues, they may find themselves at risk of eviction or foreclosure. At City Mission, we work to connect individuals who are experiencing homelessness with healthcare resources. Our medical clinic provides acute medical care and bridges primary care services for residents and the community. Domestic Violence: A Leading Cause of Homelessness for Women Did you know that domestic violence is a significant contributor to homelessness for women and children? Those escaping abuse often have no other options and can find themselves without a secure living situation. "Up to 50% of all homeless women and children in the United States are fleeing from domestic violence. Among women who are homeless, over 90% have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives." (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "Domestic Violence and Homelessness") Our organization offers a secure and empathetic space for those affected by domestic violence. We have an 11-suite residence where families can find shelter together. Our facility offers childcare so that mothers have the same opportunities to participate in our long-term programming, just like our other residents. Mental Illness and Homelessness Mental illness is a major factor in homelessness, with an estimated 20-25% of the homeless population in the U.S. living with a severe mental illness. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can make it difficult for individuals to access the care and support they need, leading to untreated mental health conditions and potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, studies indicate that homelessness can worsen pre-existing mental health concerns, making overcoming these hurdles and securing a steady home more challenging. We recognize mental illness's significant impact on homelessness and have developed programs and services to support those struggling with these challenges. Our recovery programming includes access to mental health counseling, case management, and peer support groups. These resources are designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness with mental illness to stabilize and achieve long-term recovery. Addiction: Addressing the Underlying Issues Homelessness and substance abuse often go hand in hand, with up to two-thirds of homeless individuals struggling with drugs or alcohol. The National Coalition for the Homeless reports that substance abuse exacerbates challenges in finding and keeping stable housing, managing finances, and accessing essential resources like healthcare. Addressing this issue is critical to improving the lives of the homeless population. We are proud to offer addiction treatment programs and support services to help those in need overcome addiction and regain control of their lives. Our unique approach combines 12-step recovery with biblical teachings to overcome addictive behaviors. Homelessness is a Complex Issue Homelessness is a multifaceted problem. Our responsibility is to assist those who require help with empathy and kindness. By providing job training, healthcare access, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and addiction treatment through a Christ-centered program, we tackle the various causes of homelessness and offer the necessary support and care for those impacted by it. If you are passionate about ending homelessness and want to make a difference in the lives of those in need, we encourage you to consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution can help us provide life-changing programs and resources to those experiencing homelessness.

Caring for the Homeless with a Christ-Centered Approach

April 13, 2023

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:15-17 Unfortunately, homelessness remains a grim reality for many individuals in the United States. In Pennsylvania alone, thousands of people lack safe shelter on any given night. This alarming fact speaks to our community's difficult realities. And homelessness is a challenge across all ages, races, and backgrounds; its effects are far-reaching as it carries severe consequences to physical health and implications on mental and emotional well-being. At City Mission, we understand that homelessness is not only about the lack of housing but a multi-faceted problem that needs an expansive response to identify and tackle its root causes. Through providing individuals and families with access to resources and life-changing programs, our mission endeavors to help those affected gain stability & independence once again. Our faith-based organization attempts to go beyond providing resources and services - by embracing Christ's unconditional love, we create holistic experiences that offer both physical renewal and spiritual nourishment backed by an abundance of compassion. Our commitment to this kind of individualized care is what sets us apart and makes us unique. What Does This Look Like for Our Residents? "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"- Matthew 25:40 City Mission aims to provide comfort and care to all in need. We recognize that everyone is valuable and worthy of respect regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or faith. Just as the apostles were called upon to help "the least of these," our organization provides safe refuge for the homeless while also tending to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs, leveraging faith-based values such as kindness and love within an atmosphere grounded in Christian principles. Incorporating Christian principles into the care of the homeless is crucial in creating a holistic and compassionate environment. By upholding values such as love, forgiveness, and selflessness, we hope to provide a sense of dignity and hope to those who may feel neglected by society and their community. Through our mission to share Christ, shelter, heal, and restore the homeless to independent living, we truly fulfill the call to action outlined in Matthew chapter 25 to help those in need and demonstrate the power of love in action. City Mission 2022 Highlights In 2022, with the help of our donors and volunteers, we served over 1100 unique individuals and 116 jobs were obtained through our career training and education center. Below are additional highlights from last year. City Mission provided: • 105,440 Meals • 38,039 Bed Nights • 7,033 Bags of Food for the community • 17,412 medical clinic services * If you like to learn more about our results in 2022, please review our 2022 Annual Report. We are thrilled to share the meaningful results of our supporters' contributions and are grateful to all who have supported our mission to serve the homeless with compassion, love, and faith. Your generosity has allowed us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need, and we hope that you will continue to partner with us in this important work. As we move forward, we are devoted to reaching even more individuals and families who are struggling with homelessness. Donate Today With your support, we can continue to provide shelter, healing, and a path toward independence. Please consider donating today and help us make a difference in the lives of those seeking hope and a better future. Every donation, big or small, helps us fulfill this mission and bring light to those in need. Thank you for your generosity and support. You can send donations to the following address: 84 W. Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301. If you require additional donation information, please call us at: (724) 222-8530 or email us at contact@citymission.org.

Giving an Unforgettable Easter

Natalie Grasso, age 7, prepares an Easter basket for a child in our Women with Children Shelter

April 6, 2023

Seven-year-old Natalie Grasso came to our 29th Annual Sweet Sunday event in February to have a great time and enjoy the delicious treats. After the event, she sat down to have a conversation with her grandmother, Cindy Fox, who had helped to make beautiful auction baskets for the Mission’s Sweet Sunday basket auction. Natalie asked her grandmother about City Mission and learned that they provide food and shelter for people who would otherwise have nowhere to live and no idea where their next meal would come from.“Kids too?” She asked her grandmother.“Yes. Kids too,” came the answer.That brief conversation inspired Natalie to give back to those in need. “She has been giving back from a very young age,” said her grandmother, Cindy Fox. “For her fourth Birthday party, she asked family members to make donations to the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh in lieu of gifts.”With Easter coming up, Natalie was afraid maybe the Easter Bunny wouldn’t be able to find the children living at City Mission, and that maybe they wouldn’t get any Easter baskets or Easter candy for the holiday, so she decided to help the kids by providing them with beautiful Easter baskets. Natalie and her family contacted City Mission, who currently has 27 children living at their Women with Children shelter. They asked for the ages and genders of each child. Natalie mobilized her family and friends and gave up her horseback riding lessons to purchase items to fill 27 baskets for Easter, one basket specifically assembled for each child at the shelter. She and her friends assembled and wrapped the beautiful baskets, and Cindy and her husband Dr. Craig Fox delivered them to City Mission.“She asked a few friends at school to participate and the families graciously donated items and time to put 27 baskets together for the kids at City Mission,” said Cindy. “She wanted to give back for Easter to kids that are less fortunate,” Cindy explained, “and she decided City Mission would be a great cause. Natalie got together with her sister Vienna and solicited help from friends: Liam, Julianna, Brianna O’Neill, Hayley and McKenna Hindman.”Thank you, Natalie, for your compassionate heart for the hungry and the hurting. Together, City Mission along with our friends in the community, can make the world a better place, one person at a time.

A Night Out at the Movies

March 31, 2023

On Tuesday, March 28, thirty-six of our residents had a night out at the movies thanks to Matt and Missy Harding and their family, owners of Asher’s at the Airport and Escape Room South in Canonsburg. Our residents: men, women, and veterans were all smiles as they piled into the Mission vans and headed on over to AMC Theaters in Bridgeville to watch Jesus Revolution. The Hardings had rented out the entire theater for us, so our residents could spread out and relax and enjoy a night at the movies.“It was quite an experience for us,” said Missy Harding, whose husband and two sons attended the event along with the residents. “It was a real blessing. I would bet that every single City Mission resident came up to us over the course of the night and thanked us and shook our hands or gave us a hug. That’s a blessing for us to think that it impacted them that much.”The Hardings own Asher’s at theAirport, a breakfast and lunch restaurant at the Greene County Airport in Waynesburg. A few weekends ago, they had their soft opening, and generously, all of the proceeds from the opening went to us. Our House Coordinator, Doug Bush, had been wanting to take our residents to see Jesus Revolution, but there was no money in the budget to make it happen. After Asher at the Airport’s soft opening, we reached out to Missy Harding to see if she would be interested in using the money raised at the soft opening to rent out a theater for our residents. “It was such a pleasure to be able to do that for City Mission,” said Harding. “We would be happy to do it again. The homeless are always on our hearts. Everybody just needs a little bit of support to have a second chance, and that’s what the Mission gives them.”And our residents were incredibly grateful for the opportunity. One resident told the Hardings, “Thank you so much for your beautiful gift. The movie meant a lot to me. God bless you.” Another resident said, “The movie gave me peace in the midst of my trials – and hope!” Asher’s at the Airport is now open for business. Many of their dishes and desserts are made from scratch using fresh, locally-sourced products. You can find details HERE.By donating to City Mission, you can help restore our residents to independent living. Please consider giving to the Mission today. You can make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most. ‍

Wraparound Services

Housing Coordinator, Doug Bush with resident

March 17, 2023

Homelessness is a growing problem in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with more and more individuals and families struggling to secure stable housing. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, over 15,000 individuals in the state experience homelessness on any given night, and this number continues to rise. To address this issue, it is essential to implement wraparound programs that provide homeless individuals with the resources and support they need to restore their lives and achieve independent living. Housing First Initiatives to end homelessness have largely proven to be ineffective, because they de-emphasize the need for supportive services to address the root cause of homelessness in the lives of individuals. In his article, “Housing First is a Failure,” Judge Glock, a Senior Fellow at the Cicero Institute explains, “[Housing First] is expensive, ineffective, and, often, counterproductive. While some individuals may benefit from Permanent Support Housing, as a sole strategy for ‘ending homelessness,’ it has and will continue to frustrate the cities that pursue it.” He adds that states and cities that have adopted the Housing First approach have seen the homeless crisis actually rise in their communities. “The state of Arizona has built over 7,000 permanent homes for the homeless since 2010,” he writes, “enough to house every unsheltered person when they began, but the number of Arizonians living on the streets has increased by 50% in recent years.” If we are going to combat the homelessness problem, we must embrace and invest in each individual, helping them find their way and achieve their potential. Wraparound services help people build confidence, construct their identities, and discover ways to be happy and productive members of society. What are Wraparound Programs? Wraparound programs are a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the complex problems of those in need. These programs provide a wide range of services: case management, mental health services, job training and placement, healthcare, educational opportunities, and much more. The goal of these programs is to provide a holistic, individualized, and coordinated response to homelessness, helping individuals overcome the unique challenges they face in their quest for independence. Housing assistance is just one step in the process, one small part of a larger web of support. “One of the unique aspects of City Mission is the quantity and scope of services we offer,” said City Mission Chief Development Officer, Dr. Sally Mounts. “Homelessness is a very complicated problem. Generally, several factors create a perfect storm that cause someone to be homeless. It’s not a single circumstance. So the more services we offer, the better chance we can eliminate more barriers to homelessness.” “Our goal,” added Director of Programs, Leah Dietrich, “is to create a safety net or supportive network around each resident, so they are receiving services during their stay and as they transition into independent living. These supportive services help them to address mental health, drug and alcohol, medical and other basic needs. We are blessed to have such wonderful partners in the community.” At City Mission, we pour out the love of Christ onto each and every person who comes to us for help. We approach them with love. We guide them with love. We believe in their future. Why are Wraparound Programs Needed? Homeless individuals in Southwestern Pennsylvania face a barrage of challenges, including poverty, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, and limited access to resources and support. Supportive services managed with a coordinated and individualized approach are essential to overcoming these challenges. Wraparound programs offer the support and resources necessary to overcome these barriers and achieve independent living. “Wraparound services increase an individual’s chances of success by creating touch points and supporting a resident who is facing challenges,” explained Dietrich. “Each service provider is working with the individual to remove barriers. They might help the person to manage their medications, address concerns with a landlord, navigate a custody situation or find a new psychiatrist. Each of these challenges might be overwhelming, but with supports they are manageable.” The Benefits of Wraparound Programs Wraparound services are crucial to combatting homelessness, because they offer each person the support they need to overcome their own unique barriers to independence. “If a resident has a goal of independent living, we provide support as they complete housing applications, develop a budget and save towards that goal,” said Dietrich. “If a resident is facing a barrier in their health, we can help them to schedule appointments and get follow-up care and help them to navigate the healthcare system. Our medical team also provides a supportive service as they can explain health information, review medications, and help get answers from providers when needed. Providing this 1-to-1 care makes a big difference in the success of the residents that we serve.” Homelessness is a growing problem in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and it is essential to address this issue with a comprehensive and integrated approach. By implementing wraparound services, we can make a positive impact in the lives of those in need and help to make a brighter future for us all.

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City Mission looks to stay on top of the latest information regarding the stories of Residents, Donors & Events inside City Mission as well as homelessness and poverty both here in our area and nationally. We would love to share some of this with you!