Homeless to Home Owner Program
The Vision:
At Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, we have three primary focuses.
- Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Provide Food and Emergency Shelter (and)
- Promote Accountability: As part of our dedication to “Promoting Accountability” among our guests, one of our goals is to help our working clients or guests with a sustainable income transition from homelessness to homeownership through our Homeless to Home Owner Program. By building small, transitional housing on six acres of the current Rescue Mission property, we aim to provide not just transitional housing, but a true sense of home as our guests learn and demonstrate financial responsibility. The ultimate goal for each participant is to work up enough savings to be in a position to purchase a home of their own and move on from Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.
The Need
A significant barrier to overcoming homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. Many individuals experiencing homelessness face long waits for government assistance. According to the Regional Chamber, Youngstown has a growing shortage of public housing for those at or below 30% of the median income, with 132 renters for every 100 available units. This often leaves individuals trapped in a cycle of dependency on government aid, never experiencing the stability of homeownership. But change is possible.
The Opportunity
Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley has our sights set on developing a transitional home community on Rescue Mission property for clients who excel in our Workforce and Working program and apply and are selected to be part of this innovative program. These homes will provide a stable environment for our working guests to save for their own homes while learning to manage their finances effectively with the help of staff and volunteers at Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. It’s not a hand out. It’s a hand up!
The Goal
Our ultimate aim is to see our clients transition from homelessness to homeownership in the Valley. This initiative is unique in Northeast Ohio and with the Lord’s blessing and our community’s help will change the lives of many of our neighbors currently trapped in a cycle of poverty and homelessness.
What It Will Take
We rely on prayer and the Lord’s blessing as we seek the partners, resources, and relationships needed to make this dream a reality. Are you someone who should be involved? Please pray about the opportunity!
Update So Far
- The Mission’s Board of Directors supports the Homeless to Homeowner Project
- The Mission owns 6 acres of land adjacent on all sides of our homeless shelter
- In 2024, the Mission cleared the land of trees and debris surrounding the Mission
- Initial discussions with a local contractor have taken place
- Initial conversations with the City of Youngstown have happened
- A group of current Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley “working clients” is participating in regular financial advisement and accountability meetings with our CEO. The goal of these meetings is to be 100% transparent with their current situation then learn to manage their funds, reduce debt, and maximize savings. Ideally clients like these will be the best candidates to apply for the Homeless to Home Owner program once the homes are ready for occupants.
- And now we are sharing this info with YOU!
Where Do We Go From Here
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley’s President/CEO, John Muckridge, at 330-744-5485 x 501.
To give a gift, please go to www.RescueMissionMV.org/owner or mail your gift to PO Box 298 Youngstown, Ohio 44501 with Homeless to Home Owner in the memo. Thanks!
