As the door closes on 2020, the Allentown Rescue Mission humbly thanks every one of its donors, volunteers, and partners for their unwavering support during these trying times. Rapidly changing coronavirus developments and reports of human struggle have made this year especially difficult. The Allentown Rescue Mission fought through COVID-19 challenges because of the importance and necessity of its work. But the community’s support enabled the Allentown Rescue Mission to achieve the following in 2020:
- Welcomed 584 men into the emergency shelter
- Provided 16,966 nights of safe shelter
- Served 46,445 nutritionally balanced meals
- Entered 69 men into the Transformation Program, a program designed to redirect the trajectory of the men’s lives through faith-based education and life skills classes
- Employed 58 men on the Clean Team, a workforce development program where men receive real work experience while learning valuable life skills and workplace values
- Held a successful Thanks for Giving Food and Supplies Drive
- Reopened the DeSales Free Medical Clinic in September after a five-month COVID shutdown
- And so much more, while keeping the men safe!
The Allentown Rescue Mission is extremely proud of its accomplishments this year. The pandemic changed every aspect of the way the Mission was run and continues to be run. The existing framework that allowed the Allentown Rescue Mission to efficiently serve large numbers of men was revamped for the safety of guests and staff. As a result, the programs offered to the men became more labor and cost-intensive. The cost to provide each man with transportation to appointments, individually boxed meals, and outside medical care are a few examples of cost increases. Additionally, adapting to the changes proved stressful for the men and staff, but the Allentown Rescue Mission emerged stronger and more united than ever.
For that, the Allentown Rescue Mission’s gratitude for its supporters runs even deeper this year. We thank the thousands of donors who kept the less fortunate in their hearts. The gifts received by the Mission made a meaningful difference in the men’s lives and brought light to a dark year. We will enter the New Year with great optimism thanks to our steadfast supporters.
