Homelessness reaches highest numbers ever recorded in 2024

Children Impacted the Most

Each year, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) produces their Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. In December, they released the 2024 report, and the results are heartbreaking. On a given night in January of 2024, there was a total of 771,480 people experiencing homelessness in the United States, which marks the highest number ever recorded and the largest increase ever year over year. Nearly all populations across the country reached record high levels, and eighteen different states recorded historic highs.

The report lists multiple reasons for the dramatic rise: a worsening affordable housing crisis and rising inflation mixed with stagnating wages. It also cites natural disasters that destroyed homes and displaced homeowners, rising numbers of people immigrating to the US, and the end of pandemic-era social programs and supports.

The most tragic findings in the report involve the effects on children and families with children. Nearly 150,000 children were identified, in HUD’s 2024 point-in-time survey, to be experiencing homelessness. That is a 33% increase from 2023, making children the age group with the largest increase from the previous year. Families with children increased 39%, making them the demographic with the largest rise in homelessness.

These are foreboding statistics when you consider the array of negative effects homelessness can have on children. According to stophomelesschildren.org, homeless children experience four times as many respiratory infections, twice as many ear infections, and are four times more likely to develop asthma. Endhomelessness.org reports that children experiencing homelessness have higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems, are at greater risk for severe physical health issues, experience more depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and have poorer educational outcomes.

At City Mission, we are standing up against the tide of homelessness in our area and fighting for the children and families in our community. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ and to serve those who are hurting and have lost all hope.

Our Women with Children shelter serves 11 homeless families. Each family has their own fully-furnished suite. When they arrive at City Mission, they are showered with love. Their needs are met and often exceeded. They get clothes, shoes, diapers, snacks, hygiene items, toys. They get a warm, safe place to rest and heal. They get a meal. They get a medical exam. Everything they need to feel safe and loved.

We help them develop healthy routines, build supportive relationships. We help them learn, grow, and develop. We connect them to services like mental health counseling. We help them get medical insurance and connect them to a Pediatrician, who regularly visits our campus, through our partnership with Centerville Clinics. We offer childcare, so the mom has time to work on herself. We offer parenting classes, job assistance training, resume-building, drug and alcohol recovery classes. Our programs are holistic. Our services are compassionate. Our residents are loved and cared for every minute of the day, and those negative effects of homelessness can begin to melt away, because they have finally found a home.

In 2024, the families in our Women with Children shelter who stayed at least 90 days, had an unbelievable 100% success rate for housing. That means that every single family who stayed 90 days or more successfully restored their lives to independence.

Chelsea is a resident in our Women with Children shelter with her three kids. “When we came here,” she said, “my kids were kind of on the same level as me. We were out of whack. City Mission helped me get them on a structured day. My son struggles with some mental health issues that the Mission helped me address in the correct way, because I had no idea what to do. City Mission helped me to be a better mom. My kids love it here. They’re happy today, and that’s all thanks to City Mission and the help they gave me.”

City Mission is changing the lives of families with children every day. You can help us in this cause. You can help restore families like Chelsea’s. Donate to City Mission today or call us to learn more at 724-222-8530.

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January 24, 2025

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

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!

A Rising Concern

March 17, 2025

In recent years, a startling trend in homelessness has surfaced, and it’s hard to ignore. An increasing number of older adults are finding themselves without a home. In 2024, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, overall homelessness in the United States reached unprecedented levels, spiking by 18% compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, about 20%—or one in every five—of those facing homelessness are aged 55 and older. “Here at City Mission, we’re seeing an increase in older adults,” said City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich, “and we have seen it rise over the past 10 years. Over the last few years, we’ve seen an even faster pace of growth.” Within the past year, 98 individuals aged 55 and over came through our doors as residents, which is approximately 1/3 of our overall resident population. But this rise in homelessness among older adults isn't just a statistic; it's a reflection of deep-seated issues that require immediate action. As we look deeper, the data tell a story of vulnerability, resilience, and a pressing need for change. Why Are Older Adults Becoming Homeless? The rise in homelessness among older adults is driven by a combination of complex factors. First, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the US population aged 65 and over soared by 34% over the last decade, and our country is simply not prepared to provide housing, services, and care for this surging population. Additionally, many in this age range are on fixed incomes, which do not match the escalating cost of living, particularly healthcare and housing expenses. Research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard highlights that the cost of long-term care is unaffordable for many seniors, and mortgage debt continues to burden an increasing number of older homeowners—30% of those aged 80 and over still have outstanding mortgages. Also, the median mortgage debt amount for older adults has skyrocketed more than 400% since 1989. “One of the challenges that lead older adults to come to us is lack of family support,” explained Dietrich. “Some have gone through a divorce later in life or have lost a loved one. They might need help managing their medications or taking care of everyday tasks. When their family member or support person leaves or passes away and they have no one left to help them, it can be overwhelming.” “Some of our older residents, who have worked their whole lives in trades, develop chronic health conditions or sustain injuries so they can no longer work,” added Dietrich. “They end up on a fixed income that simply can’t keep up with rising rent, taxes, and utility costs. One emergency or unexpected expense can lead to homelessness.” Social factors further complicate matters. Aging can lead to isolation from community and familial networks, worsened by physical mobility issues or chronic health conditions. This isolation makes older adults particularly susceptible to economic shocks and social withdrawal, which can ultimately lead to homelessness. “Older adults can lose their sense of community,” Dietrich added. “They can become disconnected or isolated due to divorce, loss of a loved one, loss of transportation, or loss of their work community. It’s important for us to restore their sense of community. We become the family they need to help them navigate an ever-changing world.” Do Not Cast Me Away When I Am Old Scripture urges us to honor and protect our older adults. Psalms 71:9 resonates deeply, reminding us: "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." This scripture highlights our responsibility to ensure the dignity and well-being of the elderly, affirming that they receive the support they need. The Bible consistently advocates for respect towards the elderly, as seen in Leviticus 19:32, which instructs, "Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord." We are called to be the hands and feet of God to provide care, support, and ncouragement. Through our actions and community efforts, we can embody the biblical ethos of support and respect for our elders, creating a nurturing environment that honors their contributions and upholds their dignity. Compassionate Care and Life-Changing Programs Addressing homelessness among older adults demands a comprehensive strategy that encompasses both immediate relief and long-term solutions. At City Mission, a Christ-centered rehabilitative shelter, we commit to transforming lives through a range of services including food, shelter, medical services, case management, Biblically-based counseling, and life-changing programs. Our approach is holistic, aiming to restore individuals fully by expressing God’s love in every action. Our goal is clear: to assist each person who comes to us in moving from crisis to stability. Through our extensive services and community resource connections, we strive to ensure sustained recovery and independence for every individual we serve. “We work to find community opportunities for our residents,” Dietrich said. “We know what resources are available and have the ability to connect them to what they need. They are looking for a sense of purpose and connection, and we can provide that.” Right now, we are focused on helping our older adults improve fitness, mobility, and overall health. Every weekday at 12:45, our staff hosts chair exercise sessions to help older adults learn to be active again. Cindy Newman, our Manager of Medical Services, helps our older adult residents navigate through issues associated with chronic health conditions, by helping them manage medications, embrace a healthier diet, make appointments with specialists, and understand the impact a diagnosis can have on their everyday lives. For our older adult residents, we are also focused on offering financial training and digital education. Volunteers come to the Mission regularly to provide budgeting classes and to answer in-depth questions that help our older residents feel confident making decisions that will restore them to independent living. We also offer computer training that helps older residents feel safer online and builds confidence as they navigate online banking, book medical appointments, and rebuild relationships with estranged friends and family, online at first, which can springboard into meaningful and fulfilling reconnections. “Our youngest residents and our oldest residents break my heart the most,” said Dietrich. “No 19-year-old and no 90-year-old should be homeless. People who outlive their family members who were taking care of them and now are without a home and a support system -- we have to do everything we can to help them!” How You Can Help City Mission City Mission remains steadfast in its commitment to helping older adults regain stability and dignity. Here’s how you can contribute to this cause: • Donate: Financial contributions support critical services such as healthcare, shelter, education, and food. • Volunteer: Your time is a valuable asset. Assisting with daily operations or engaging directly with residents can make a significant difference. • Advocate: Raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless older adults. Sharing information, educating others, and advocating for policy changes are powerful ways to help. Join City Mission in the Fight Against Homelessness Addressing homelessness among older adults in Washington, PA, requires a committed and collective effort. By engaging in immediate actions, supporting long-term solutions, and educating ourselves and our community, we can effect meaningful change. Let’s unite to build a supportive and inclusive environment for every member of our community, reflecting the biblical principle of extending a hand to those in need, just as we are guided by our faith to support and uplift each other in times of need. Join us in making a difference. You can also send donations to the following address: 84 W. Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301. For more details on donations or if you have any questions, feel free to call us at (724) 222-8530.

Thank you, Cub Scout Pack 1313

Cub Scouts Pack 1313 at City Mission's Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House

March 14, 2025

Thank you to the Arrow of Light scouts of Pack 1313 in McMurray! We are so grateful for their generosity and hard work in supporting the homeless veterans at City Mission! This amazing group of scouts, made up of 8 fifth-grade boys planned and organized a community service project for the Mission as part of their citizenship adventure. They reached out to us to find out what items we need. Then, they worked together to create a plan to fundraise enough money to purchase all the items on our needs list. They set a fundraising goal of $500 and decided to create a video to get the word out. They wrote their own script and enlisted help from the Lions (Kindergarten scouts) to assist in making the video and raising funds. "City Mission holds a special place in our hearts as we have volunteered there for many years," said Jenna Mallegol of Cub Scout Pack 1313. "The scouts wrote the script for the video themselves, and the parents sent it out via social media." The response to their fundraising efforts was overwhelming, and they were able to raise more than six times their initial goal! In total, they raised $3,200. With that money, they purchased everything on our needs list and more: clothing for 30 veterans, toiletries, snacks, and coffee. They also purchased pizza for a pizza party with our veterans. And they had enough left over to make a very generous $2,000 donation to City Mission! Thank you, Pack 1313, for showing what kindness, leadership, and teamwork can accomplish to make the world a little brighter place. Your support means so much to City Mission and the veterans we serve.

A Year of Hope and Progress

February 27, 2025

A Year of Hope and Progress: Reflecting on 2024 at City Mission As we close the chapter on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible strides we’ve made together. This year has been marked by hope, progress, and an unwavering commitment to our mission of serving the homeless and vulnerable in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our staff, and the resilience of our residents, we have achieved milestones that will have a lasting impact for years to come. Breaking Ground on New Beginnings A major highlight of 2024 was the groundbreaking of Sally’s Sanctuary, our new 50-bed shelter for homeless women. This project, years in the making, represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide safe, supportive spaces for those in need. We also celebrated the completion of the Finish Strong Campaign, which enabled us to finalize the New Market Tax Credit and move forward with this critical project. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our donors, staff, and community partners, who continue to make our work possible. The year also brought a transition in leadership. We welcomed our new President/CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan, whose vision and passion have already brought fresh energy to City Mission. At the same time, we bid farewell to Dean Gartland and Sally Mounts, two extraordinary leaders whose decades of service have left an indelible mark on our organization. Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward. Community events like Gather & Give and Sweet Sunday, which saw record-breaking participation, reminded us of the incredible power of community. Of course, the year was not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of a capital campaign with our day-to-day operations required careful planning and difficult decisions. But thanks to the dedication of our staff and the generosity of our donors, we are confident that the steps we’ve taken will set us up for a strong and sustainable future. Key Achievements in 2024 In 2024, City Mission’s programs and services provided hope, healing, and a pathway to independence for many individuals. Here are some of the key achievements that made the year so special: • Meals: Our Food Service team served 84,912 meals, valued at over $211,430, to residents and community members in need. • Career Training and Education: Through the ANSYS Career Training and Education Center (CTEC), residents gained the skills and certifications needed for sustainable employment. In 2024, we celebrated: o 129 jobs obtained o 498 ID cards issued o 1,898 certifications earned • Medical Services: Our Medical Clinic provided 14,319 services, including 647 physician visits and 978 health screens, ensuring residents had access to critical healthcare. Partnerships with organizations like Centerville Clinics allowed us to offer comprehensive care, empowering residents to take control of their health. The success of these programs is reflected in our HEIRS success rates for residents who stayed 90+ days: • Men: 57% overall success rate • Women: 72% overall success rate • Women with Children: 57% overall success rate (with a 100% housing success rate) • Veterans: 88% overall success rate Celebrating Transformation Through Divine Grace Stories like Herman’s, who found stable employment and housing after entering our men’s program, and Krystine’s, who overcame addiction and became a leader in our women’s program, remind us of the transformative power of God’s work through City Mission’s in 2024. These stories are not just successes; they are testimonies to the miraculous impact of faith and God's grace in action. Join Us in Shaping the Future of City Mission As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and determination. The completion of Sally’s Sanctuary in July 2025 will mark a transformative milestone in our mission to serve homeless women with dignity and compassion. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe, welcoming space for women, but it is just one part of our broader commitment to addressing homelessness in all its forms. From providing meals and medical care to offering career training and addiction recovery programs, City Mission continues to serve individuals and families in need. Our work extends beyond shelter—it’s about restoring dignity, fostering independence, and building brighter futures. But our work is far from over. We still need your help to fully fund Sally’s Sanctuary and continue providing essential services to those who rely on us. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, your support makes all the difference. For more information on how you can get involved, visit our Ways to Help page or call us at 724-222-8530. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out to our support team.