“In our fiscal year 2022, the Mission served 60,518 meals to people in need – a 66% year-over-year increase from the year prior.”

Youngstown, Ohio …  January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month, a time to recognize and bring awareness to individuals and families living in poverty in the United States. In conjunction with the national initiative, Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley urges the community to partner to help those affected by poverty in The Valley.

There are over 37 million individuals living in poverty in America. Poverty is generally defined as living in a state lacking access to basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. “The factors that we see at play that are causing an increase in our services are varied. But it is evident that a shortage of affordable housing in this struggling economic climate is driving more individuals to our door and causing it to be more difficult to move on from the shelter,” said Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley CEO, John Muckridge. “An illness or a major car repair can sometimes be enough to cause the missed paychecks that can spiral someone into poverty.”

“In fiscal year 2022, the Mission served 60,518 meals to people in need – a 66% year-over-year increase,” Muckridge explained. “Our overnight statistics have also seen a dramatic increase. Our total overnights were 32,838 and we sheltered 1,142 unique individuals. People are always surprised to learn that of those overnights, 17,653 were for women and children and that our guests ranged in age from two days old to eighty-six years of age. The Mission also cared for sixty-two different veterans over the year.”

To address the challenges of those suffering poverty, head on, Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley invites individuals, businesses, and churches to make financial contributions to the Mission during National Poverty in America Awareness Month at Rescuemissionmv.org.

“This year (2023) marks 130 years of Christ-focused ministry in the Valley for Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. The Christ-like love and care of our community lessens the burdens for those suffering the effects of poverty in our own backyard because people know that there is a warm meal and a safe bed for them waiting at the shelter – until they can get back on their feet,” said Muckridge.

A gift of just $2.47 will provide one meal at Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley and one person can receive care for twenty-four hours with a gift of $47.26.

For more information about National Poverty in America Awareness month visit povertyusa.org.

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