Homelessness and the Holidays

Making a Meaningful Impact

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to family gatherings, festive meals, and joyous celebrations. However, for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, this time of year can bring unique challenges and heightened difficulties. The contrast between societal expectations of holiday cheer and the harsh realities faced by those without stable housing can be particularly pronounced.

Understanding the Scope of Homelessness in Pennsylvania

Before we delve into the holiday-specific challenges, it’s important to understand the broader context of homelessness within Pennsylvania:

Statewide Impact:

• In 2023, Pennsylvania's homelessness rate was 9.7 per 10,000 people, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable individuals across the state.

• Eighty-six percent of people experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania are considered "sheltered," meaning they are living in shelters, transitional housing, or receiving assistance, but still without a permanent place to call home.

• Diverse Populations are impacted. Homelessness in Pennsylvania affects families with children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

• Factors driving homelessness in Pennsylvania include job loss, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

By understanding the scope of the problem and how we can act, we can bring hope to our neighbors in need during this season of giving.

Holiday-Specific Challenges

The holidays bring additional hardships for those experiencing homelessness, beyond the challenges they already face throughout the year.

1. Emotional and Psychological Strain

The holiday season emphasizes family, home, and togetherness, which can heighten feelings of isolation and depression for those without stable housing. The expectation of joy and celebration often stands in stark contrast to the lived experiences of many homeless individuals, leading to increased emotional strain.

How You Can Help:

• Volunteer Your Time: Spend time at shelters like City Mission or community centers, offering companionship and emotional support to those who may feel disconnected.

• Support Mental Health Initiatives: Encourage programs that provide counseling and mental health services to those experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania.

2. Harsh Weather Conditions

In Pennsylvania, winters can be unforgiving, and temperatures during the holiday season can be particularly harsh. For those without adequate shelter, exposure to cold weather brings increased risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related health issues.

How You Can Help:

• Donate Winter Gear: Items such as waterproof coats, thermal underwear, wool socks, and sleeping bags are essential for helping homeless individuals stay warm. At City Mission we accept clothing, shoes/boots and clothing accessories at any of our thrift stores from 9am-4pm, our vocational training center from 9am-3pm, or any of our area donation bins.

• Advocate for Year-Round Solutions: Help promote the development of more permanent housing options to ensure individuals aren’t left vulnerable to the weather.

3. Limited Access to Resources

Many support services experience reduced schedules or resources during the holidays, making it harder for homeless individuals to access food, shelter, and other essentials. This can leave people in particularly dire situations as the need for basic necessities increases during winter.

How You Can Help:

• Spread Awareness of Available Resources: Ensure that homeless individuals are aware of which services remain open during the holidays by volunteering to distribute information or helping shelters communicate with the broader community.

• Volunteer at Shelters During Holidays: Offering your time can ensure that shelters and essential services continue to operate smoothly during the holidays.

• Support Continuity: Donate to shelters or nonprofits that provide continuous support throughout the year, particularly during times when resources are stretched.

4. Economic Challenges and Financial Exclusion

For homeless individuals, economic struggles are a year-round challenge, but the holidays can amplify these difficulties. While many are focused on holiday shopping and gift-giving, homeless individuals often struggle just to meet their basic needs, let alone provide gifts for their families.

How You Can Help:

• Support Employment and Training Programs: Contribute to programs that offer job skills and long-term employment opportunities for individuals who are homeless.

• Donate Gift Cards for Essentials: Gift cards for groceries or clothing stores can offer families dignity and the opportunity to provide for their children during the holidays.

Making a Lasting Impact: Beyond the Holidays

While it’s important to offer support during the holidays, homelessness is a year-round issue that requires long-term solutions. We are called to extend our compassion and generosity throughout the entire year, not just during festive seasons.

Ways to Make a Lasting Impact:

• Join City Mission’s Circle of Bread and Hope: Our Circle of Bread and Hope is a group of compassionate, community-focused supporters who commit to making a lasting and ongoing impact for the homeless in our area. You can make a BIG impact with a small, recurring gift. You can choose to give monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually – whichever method works best for you.

• Stay Informed: Educate yourself and others on the root causes of homelessness and effective strategies for prevention and support.

• Commit to Year-Round Volunteering: Make a long-term commitment to volunteer with local shelters and service providers to offer ongoing support.

• Foster Community Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between churches, businesses, and government agencies to create a comprehensive safety net for the homeless.

A Call to Compassionate Action

The holiday season reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of loving and serving one another. As followers of Christ, we are called to care for those in need, reflecting His love in everything we do. The barriers faced by homeless individuals during the holidays are significant, but through compassionate action, we can make a meaningful difference.

Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or advocating for change, each of us can contribute to making this holiday season a little brighter for individuals and families struggling with homelessness.

You can offer our hurting neighbors healing and hope here at City Mission. Your gift provides the immediate help and long-term care local men, women, children and veterans need to rebuild their lives.

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November 21, 2024

Gary Porter

Communications Manager

Gary has been with the mission since 2017. He writes many of our resident stories, getting to know many of them and seeing their transformations at the mission from the start.

gporter@citymission.org

"A Place of Joy!"

President/CEO Diana Vaughan Thanks Martha's Fund at their 30th Annual Martha's Run event.

April 30, 2026

City Mission is proud to announce the successful funding of a new playground that will serve children and families experiencing homelessness, made possible through the generosity of community partners and long-standing supporters. A significant portion of the funding was provided by The Martha Fund, a charitable organization dedicated to preserving the memory of slain FBI Special Agent Martha Dixon by hosting family-oriented public events and funding the construction and renovation of playgrounds in the Pittsburgh area. The announcement was made during their recent annual run fundraiser, marking the 30th anniversary of The Martha Fund’s annual signature event. City Mission President and CEO, Diana Vaughan, attended the event to personally thank participants and organizers for their commitment to strengthening the community. For more information about The Martha Fund, visit www.marthdixon.org. “The support from The Martha Fund represents more than just a financial investment—it’s an investment in dignity, stability, and healing,” said Vaughan. “For the children we serve, this playground will be a place of joy, learning, and normalcy during a very difficult season of life.” Kevin Dixon, Board President of The Martha Fund, shares, “We’re proud to join City Mission in this special effort to deliver joy to children—carrying forward the spirit of Martha Dixon’s unwavering love for them.” Additional funding for the project comes from Financial Fuel Services, a long-time supporter of City Mission. Their continued partnership reflects a deep commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable families in the region. “Financial Fuel Services has been a faithful partner to City Mission for many years,” Vaughan added. “Their generosity continues to help us expand opportunities for the individuals and families we serve.” The new playground will be located on City Mission’s campus and is designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for children staying at the shelter. Beyond recreation, the playground will support emotional well-being, social development, and a sense of normalcy for children navigating the challenges of homelessness. This project reflects City Mission’s broader commitment to serving men, women, and children through comprehensive programs and transformation that include housing, meals, spiritual care, medical care, mental health support, and career readiness with a goal of guiding individuals into independent, successful members of society. Construction on the playground is expected to begin this summer. For more information about City Mission or to support its programs, visit citymission.org.

Healing the Whole Person Through Christ-Centered Care

December 31, 2025

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives…” — Isaiah 61:1 In the Bible, we see again and again how Jesus met people’s physical needs alongside their spiritual ones. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and welcomed those the world had cast aside. At City Mission, we strive to follow that same example. Homelessness is not just a housing issue. It’s a people issue—one that requires care for the whole person. That’s why City Mission doesn’t just provide shelter. We walk with people through recovery, medical care, job readiness, and spiritual restoration. Because healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in relationship, with Christ at the center. A Safe Place to Begin Again For many, the first step toward healing begins with simply having a safe place to rest. City Mission provides that safety through its shelter programs for men, women, and children—offering more than a bed, but a stable, supportive environment where healing can start. Hali, a former resident, remembers what that felt like. “City Mission gives you a sense of relief,” she said. “It gives you the knowledge that you have support and that you’re not alone. You don’t ever have to be afraid to ask for help.” For Hali, the shelter was more than temporary housing. It was a turning point. With the support of staff and the fellowship of others walking similar paths, she began to rebuild—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. Today, City Mission operates five long-term shelters for men, women, women with children, and veterans—providing space for up to 212 individuals at a time. These shelters serve as a foundation for deeper recovery, stability, and transformation. Treating the Body with Compassion Healing the whole person means addressing physical health as well. Many people experiencing homelessness suffer from untreated conditions—chronic pain, infections, mental health struggles—that make it difficult to move forward. City Mission’s onsite Medical Clinic steps into that gap. Through the work of a full-time nurse and volunteer medical professionals from the local community, residents receive free preventive, primary, and urgent care. The City Mission Medical clinic partners Centerville Clinics to offer comprehensive services and connect patients to ongoing treatment. For someone who hasn’t seen a doctor in years—or who’s been discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go—this care can be lifesaving. A Path Toward New Life Addiction and homelessness often go hand in hand. Many of the men and women who come to City Mission are seeking freedom from drugs or alcohol, but they need more than detox. They need hope. They need support. And they need a long-term plan. City Mission’s faith-based recovery programs offer just that. Residents participate in counseling, life skills classes, Bible studies, and mentorship—building new foundations for a sober, purpose-driven life. They’re surrounded by people who believe in their future, even when they can’t yet see it for themselves. In this environment of structure, grace, and accountability, lives are being transformed every day. Men and women are breaking generational cycles, healing family relationships, and discovering God’s call for their lives. From Survival to Stability Once someone has found safety, healing, and sobriety, the next step is building a sustainable future. City Mission’s career training programs help residents take that step with confidence. Each resident works with staff to develop a personalized employment plan, whether that means pursuing training, earning a certification, or returning to the workforce after years away. In 2024 alone, 129 jobs were obtained by City Mission residents. Beyond job placement, the program builds self-esteem. It reminds people that they are not defined by their past, but by their potential. It equips them not just to survive—but to thrive. Meeting Needs Beyond the Mission Walls Not everyone who needs help can come into a shelter. That’s why City Mission extends its services beyond campus—meeting individuals and families in our community where they are. Through programs like the Samaritan Care Food Pantry and WeCare Street Outreach, City Mission provides food, hygiene items, medical care, and compassion to people experiencing hardship throughout Washington County. We also offer meals and clinic access to non-residents, ensuring that no one has to face crisis alone. This outreach reflects the heart of Christ’s ministry: going out to the hurting, the hungry, the unseen, and offering dignity and love. You Can Be Part of the Mission At City Mission, every service we offer is rooted in our faith. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of love, safety, and second chances. We also believe that real change happens when communities come together to lift one another up. That’s where you come in. Your support and donations makes it possible to meet physical needs, offer critical services, and share the hope of Christ with those in crisis. Whether you give, volunteer, or pray alongside us, your partnership helps transform lives. Give today to help us continue healing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Why Homelessness Feels Different for Women

October 7, 2025

You might not notice her, but she’s there. She’s parked at the edge of a grocery store lot, trying to get a few hours of sleep before sunrise. Her toddler is in the back seat, tucked under a blanket. Her phone is out of service, her gas tank nearly empty, and her heart races every time someone walks by. This is homelessness for many women. Women Often Hide Their Homelessness to Stay Safe Unlike the more visible side of homelessness, many women aren’t sleeping on park benches or living in crowded camps. They’re doing everything they can to stay invisible, because being seen can mean being in danger. Some stay with friends. Some live in cars. Others remain in relationships that are toxic or even abusive because it feels safer than facing the unknown. The fear of violence, judgment, or being separated from their children keeps many women silent. But silence doesn’t mean safety, and invisibility doesn’t mean everything is okay. Many Are Mothers Trying to Keep Life Together One of the most heartbreaking truths is that a large number of homeless women are also mothers. They’re not just trying to survive; they’re trying to protect their children from the emotional toll of instability. They pack lunches, walk their kids to school, and paste on smiles while silently wondering where they’ll sleep that night. We’ve seen this courage up close. At City Mission, we’ve met moms who held their families together through unimaginable circumstances. Women who put their children first in every decision, even as their own lives were unraveling. It’s hard to ask for help when your kids are watching. But we want every mother to know: asking for help is not weakness. It’s bravery. Homelessness Doesn’t Just Happen Overnight For most women, homelessness isn’t a sudden event, it’s the result of years spent trying to survive impossible circumstances. It may begin with childhood trauma, an untreated mental health issue, or the slow unraveling of life after addiction. Often, it’s a combination of many things that go unnoticed until the bottom falls out. At City Mission, we’ve seen women come through our doors straight from the hospital, with nowhere else to go. We’ve welcomed mothers who arrive carrying only a diaper bag, doing everything they can to hold on to hope. Jennifer was one of those women. She had made the brave decision to leave her old life behind, choosing sobriety and safety for herself and her newborn son. With nothing but determination and the will to change, she walked through the doors of City Mission ready to begin again. She built friendships with other moms who understood her journey. She leaned on staff members who reminded her that she was not alone. Slowly, the weight she carried began to lift. Today, Jennifer works as a Resident Assistant, offering the same compassion and encouragement she once received. The Need Has Grown, But So Has Our Vision We hear from women like Jennifer every day. But sadly, we don’t always have room. Nationally, from 2023-2024, homelessness among women increased 26%. And the need is growing not just across the country but in our own neighborhood as well. We get phone calls every day from women seeking shelter. These are real stores. Real women who are ready for a second chance but have nowhere to go tonight. They need more than a bed. They need privacy, dignity, safety, and care. You Can Help a Woman Find Safety and Hope Every woman who calls us asking for help is someone’s daughter, someone’s mother, someone’s friend. She’s worth helping. Worth saving. Worth restoring. With your support, we’re building Sally’s Sanctuary, a new Women’s Center right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It will provide 50 additional beds for homeless women and so much more. It will be a place of safety and healing, offering not just shelter but also meals, counseling, spiritual care, recovery services, and community. The building is very near completion. We are planning for women to move into the new space starting in mid-to-late October. This is where their new life begins, where they can heal and restore their confidence and their hope. Be Part of Her Story If you’ve ever wondered what you could do to make a difference, this is your moment. Your gift today can help us open our doors to every woman who needs one. You help provide someone with a warm bed, a hot meal, and an opportunity to completely transform their life. Please consider donating today.

Grand Opening!

July 3, 2025

On Tuesday, July 8, City Mission will be hosting a Grand Opening for our newest City Mission Thrift Store located at 36 East Pike Street in Canonsburg. The Grand Opening ceremony will be held at 9:00am at the new store. The ceremony will include a prayer of dedication, a ribbon-cutting, refreshments, raffle baskets, and store discounts for shoppers. About a year ago, City Mission had to close its former Canonsburg location. Fortunately, they have been able to relocate to a different building just down the road. Lisa Scamazzi, a long-time friend, supporter, and volunteer at the Mission has been instrumental in helping the new store get up and running. “The City Mission Thrift Store is one of our flagship stores in downtown Canonsburg,” Scarmazzi said. “We are so excited about this new location. It’s going to be transformational in town. The setup is wonderful. The people are wonderful. Folks that come in are going to be completely surprised by the quality and the items that are there.”All of the proceeds from City Mission’s seven Thrift Stores support the life-changing programs and services for the homeless residents at the Mission. “You can go to our Thrift Stores and donate your unneeded items,” said City Mission President and CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan. “Through our best stewardship, we resell those items and then that money can help us continue the life-transformational programming that takes place on our campus at City Mission.”Visit www.citymission.org/stores for more information about City Mission’s Thrift Store operations.

A Remarkable Transformation

June 9, 2025

Ten years ago, on June 9, 2015, a devastating fire tore through City Mission’s campus, destroying the chapel, kitchen, dining hall, medical clinic and men’s dormitories. In that time of loss and extreme need, the community rallied to support City Mission in extraordinary ways. Donations poured in: monetary gifts, food donations, clothing donations for City Mission residents who had lost all their possessions in the fire. It was a remarkable show of support that laid the groundwork for an unprecedented transformation of the City Mission campus. This morning, City Mission hosted a chapel service at The Porter Pillow and Peggie Beaver-Pillow Chapel for its residents and employees. The event included a short video highlighting the effects of the fire and the transformation that occurred over the last ten years. City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich, added remarks about the restorative and healing power of God. “While many people may not have been fully aware of the Mission’s work, the day of the fire brought significant attention to the shelter across our region,” said President/CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan. “The outpouring of initial support validated former President/CEO Dean Gartland’s vision of expanding services and developing the campus into a holistic resource for addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. With each phase of growth, our donors have played a crucial role in turning that vision into reality.” Because of the community’s foundational support after the fire and continued partnership over the past ten years, City Mission has been able to expand remarkably and give back to the community in extraordinary ways: • Increased shelter capacity from 96 to 174 beds • Built a commercial-grade kitchen (2017) that served 84,912 meals to residents and the community last year • Opened the Ansys Career Training & Education Center (2017), which helped 129 individuals obtain jobs last year • Launched the Crabtree-Kovacicek Veterans House (2018), a 22-bed shelter for homeless veterans • Built the City Mission Medical Clinic, which was able to provide 14,319 medical services in 2024 • Expanded the Women with Children Center (2018), offering 11 fully furnished apartments with on-site childcare • Opened Sally’s House (2022), a 15-bed shelter for single women in the Next Step program. • And this September 2025, City Mission plans to open a new 50-bed Women’s Shelter—a sanctuary of healing, hope, and fresh starts. The opening of this facility will raise our total bed capacity from 174-210. • In 2024, 150 individuals successfully moved out of City Mission and into independent living, moving from homeless to hopeful “I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” said Vaughan. “Time and again, our donors’ generous spiritual and financial support has ensured that we never faltered in our mission to provide food, shelter, and hope to those in need. Our doors have remained open, the tables have remained full, and hearts have remained uplifted.”

Eagle Scout Fundraiser

April 30, 2025

Noah Hickman is a Freshman at Canon-McMillan High School. He loves playing sports, creating online videos, and volunteering with his family and his church. Noah is a member of Boy Scout Troop 1313 in McMurray and is currently working to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement a Boy Scout can attain. As part of this process, Noah is planning, organizing, and leading his Scout Troop in a community service project to benefit the residents of our Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House. “This project will support citizens of the United States who once risked their own lives for our freedom,” Noah explained, “but who currently are not in the best times of their lives and need our help.” Noah has been in the Boy Scouts since he was in sixth grade, and before that, he started with the Cub Scouts in first grade. “My favorite thing about the Boy Scouts,” Noah said, “is that it’s all scout-run. The scouts run the meetings and decide what projects to work on. The scouts also keep you busy with things that seem hard at first but are worth it in the end. And you learn something through that. You get life experiences that you probably wouldn’t get anywhere else.” Noah and his Scout Troop have officially launched their project, which will run throughout the summer. In addition to volunteering on our campus, they are leading a donation drive and a fundraiser to support our homeless veterans. If you’d like to partner with the Boy Scouts in helping our veterans, you can go here to donate items that our veterans need while staying at the Mission: https://sites.google.com/view/eaglescoutamazonwishlist/home You can go here to support the Boy Scout’s project by donating financially to our veterans program: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E333819&id=33 We are so grateful for Troop 1313’s compassion and commitment, and we are inspired to see the younger generation rise up and join the battle against homelessness, addiction, and poverty. “It makes me so happy to see the next generation getting involved with helping the homeless,” said City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich. “It takes families to invest in their children so their children will learn to invest in their community.” From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Noah Hickman, Boy Scout Troop 1313, and everyone who responds to their call to support our ministry!

Homelessness and the Holidays

Making a Meaningful Impact

Understanding the Scope of Homelessness in Pennsylvania

Statewide Impact:

Holiday-Specific Challenges

Making a Lasting Impact: Beyond the Holidays

A Call to Compassionate Action

Recent Articles

"A Place of Joy!"

Healing the Whole Person Through Christ-Centered Care

Why Homelessness Feels Different for Women

Grand Opening!

A Remarkable Transformation

Eagle Scout Fundraiser