Homeless Shelter Donations

In a world often filled with uncertainties and challenges, there's an undeniable power in giving. As compassionate individuals, we're blessed with the ability to uplift those facing difficult circumstances. Homelessness is a reality that touches many lives, and donating to a homeless shelter, like City Mission, can make a profound impact on the journey toward brighter days.

The Significance of Giving

Donating to a homeless shelter goes beyond simply providing necessities—it's an opportunity to restore hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most. Your support allows homeless shelters like ours to offer more than just meals and shelter; it enables us to provide comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness. We equip individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives through education, training, recovery programs, and spiritual support.

Last year, we served 1,145 individuals from all walks of life, offering over 105,000 meals, 38,000 nights of shelter, and 17,000 medical clinic services.  We also helped 116 individuals obtain jobs and placed 140 people in their very own home.  Your generosity can make an enormous impact in your community and beyond.

General Ways to Donate or Give 

Have you ever thought about how you can help the homeless? You may have wondered what or how to give. The good news is that there are many ways you can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it. Whetheryou want to provide immediate help, create lasting change, or show kindness, your actions matter a lot.

1. Financial Donations: Providing financial support is a direct way to make an impact. Monetary contributions enable shelters to allocate resources where they are needed most, from housing assistance to program development to paying salaries and keeping the lights on.  Many rescue missions, including us, don't accept government funding.  We rely solely on the compassion and generosity of friends like you to raise the $8 million it takes annually to bring hope to the homeless in     Washington County.
2. Material Donations: Donating clothing, shoes, blankets, and personal hygiene items helps meet immediate needs. Shelters often provide a list of urgently needed items to guide your donations.
3. Food Donations: Contributing non-perishable food items or organizing food drives can help ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to nutritious meals.
4. Volunteer Time: Giving of your time and talents as a volunteer can be incredibly valuable. Many shelters rely on volunteers for tasks ranging from meal preparation to mentoring to stuffing envelopes and even child care.
5. Fundraising Initiatives: Organizing fundraisers or participating in charity events can have a significant impact. This might include charity runs, bake sales, or online crowdfunding campaigns.
6. Gift Cards: Providing gift cards for grocery stores, pharmacies, or clothing retailers gives individuals and the organization the flexibility to purchase what they     need most.
7. Professional Services: Offering your skills, such as legal advice, medical services, career counseling, and many others can directly benefit shelter residents.
8. Awareness Campaigns: Spreading awareness about homelessness and the work of shelters through social media, storytelling, public speaking, and in everyday conversation can inspire others to give.

Choosing a Homeless Shelter

Deciding to contribute to a homeless shelter is a meaningful choice, reflecting your compassion and desire to make a positive impact. However, ensuring that your donation truly benefits those in need and aligns with your personal values and passions is essential. Taking a thoughtful approach and doing your due diligence before donating can help you maximize the impact of your generosity. Here are some considerations to guide you in selecting the right homeless shelter to support:

1. Mission and Values: Research the shelter's mission and values. Look for alignment with your values and beliefs to ensure your contribution makes a meaningful impact and helps you to make a deeply personal connection with the cause.
2. Programs and Services: Explore the range of programs offered. A holistic approach, like our HEIRS Model, addresses various aspects of homelessness, from housing, income, and employment to recovery and spirituality.
3. Transparency and Accountability: Choose a homeless shelter that is transparent about how donations are used. Check if they are a registered nonprofit     organization and adhere to ethical practices.
4. Community Impact: Consider the shelter's impact on the local community. How do they collaborate with other organizations to address homelessness     collectively? At City Mission, we are very respected in the community. Every day, we accept referrals from other organizations and make referrals to outside services.
5. Volunteer Opportunities: If you're able, explore volunteer opportunities. Your time and skills can complement your financial contributions.

4 Ways to Make a Difference at City Mission

Through the support of passionate supporters like you, we provide services such as meals, shelter, education, recovery programs, and more, all with the goal of empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

Your contribution matters, and there are multiple ways you can help us make a lasting impact on the lives of the less fortunate.

1. Donate Financially: Your financial support paves the way for real change in the lives of the homeless individuals and families we serve. Whether providing a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, or vital training, your generosity empowers us to offer comprehensive solutions for lasting transformation. Donations can be made online or sent to our address at 84 W. Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301. To make a secure online donation, visit our donation page. Or join our Circle of Bread Hope and donate monthly to provide a sustaining and consistent income for our Mission.
2. Donate Assets: Contributing assets such as cash, stock, or other investments through a Donor Advised Fund is a strategic way to make a difference. Partner with your financial advisor to set up a fund that supports charities of your choice, including City Mission. These funds provide immediate tax benefits while allowing you to recommend grants to qualified charities. For more information, contact Dr. Sally Mounts, Chief Development Officer, at 724-705-7122 or smounts@citymission.org.
3. Shop for a Cause: When you shop at a City Mission Thrift Store, 100% of the proceeds directly support our Life Recovery Programs. Visit our eight conveniently-located stores for quality finds that create positive change.  You can also find us on Amazon Wishlist, where your purchases benefit the homeless and in-need communities we serve.
4. Donate Goods: Your excess items can become life-changing resources for those in need. We accept many items, including clothing, electronics, furniture, household goods, books, etc. These donations directly contribute to our efforts to restore hope and independence. To find out what items we can accept, visit our Ways to Help page. Also, we recycle any items we are unable to use in our shelters or sell in our stores, so nothing you donate goes to waste. And we make an income from the recycled goods.

Join Us in Making a Difference Today

City Mission is dedicated to changing lives and creating positive change in the community, and your involvement is crucial to our success. Your donations create hope, leading to lasting transformation and renewed independence for those we serve. Together, we can empower individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful change.