Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley sees increased need for meals, shelter in Youngstown
The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley reported an increase in the number of people using their services in Youngstown from 2023 to 2024.
By the numbers
The Rescue Mission provides three meals every day. According to their website, the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley’s kitchen crew has served over 1.3 million meals to people in need over the last ten years.
Recently, staff said the kitchen “has been particularly busy” with a 17% increase in guests lining up for a hot meal compared to last summer.
The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley’s kitchen has been particularly busy, with a significant increase in meal serving over the past two months, a 17% increase from the numbers reported October 2024 – May 2024 compared to June and July of this year.
“Our doors have remained open since 1893 as the Lord provides through your generosity. Thank you,” Rescue Mission wrote on Facebook.
Between Oct. 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, they prepared and served an average of 324 meals daily.
Just this summer, between June and July, they’ve made an average of 378 meals per day.
Men, women and families are checking in to the Rescue Mission’s overnight shelters at a higher rate this summer than recorded in years prior.
Since May of this year, the average overnight count has increased to 79 clients per day, according to the Rescue Mission’s records.
Between the fall of 2023 and this month, the women and families overnight shelter saw a rise in service usage.
The maximum capacity is 86 guests, and the average overnight count is 69.
For the men’s shelter, it’s increased by 10.5% since the fall 2023 and this summer.
They’re nearing max capacity, with about 95 of the 100 beds being full on an average night between the same period.
How to help: Volunteer, Mahoning Valley Coffee Trail
Volunteers can serve meals and see first-hand how the organization impacts neighbors and help people in need.
To sign up, complete the new volunteer registration online and if you need help, call 330-744-5485 and ask for the volunteer coordinator to get started.
Mark your calendars for Sept. 30 to buy the Rescue Mission’s 2024 Mahoning Vally Coffee Trail.
It’s a $25 donation to celebrate National Coffee Day and support various baristas and small business owners in the Mahoning Valley.
According to the Rescue Mission, 23 coffee shops have signed up to participate in the Coffee Trail this year. Only 750 copies of the guide are being sold, and they will be available starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 30.
Once the trail maps are released, residents are encouraged to follow along and visit the 23 shops for special offers.
If you visit every shop by Nov. 20, you can enter a drawing for a grand prize.
Visit the Rescue Mission’s website for more information.
If you want to donate, toilet paper is the most needed item this month.
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