Rescue Mission Exceeds Giving Tuesday Goal

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley raised more than $17,000 on Giving Tuesday, exceeding its goal, according to a release.

For its #SupplyOurShelter campaign, the organization set a goal to raise enough to purchase 10 new wardrobes for the new building being constructed on U.S. Route 422.

During the national day of giving, the Rescue Mission raised $17,406.70 from 63 community donors, exceeding its goal by $2,863.30 – enough to purchase 12 wardrobes, according to the release. Each wardrobe unit costs $1,454.34.

“It was so exciting to watch the donations roll in all day on Giving Tuesday for the Rescue Mission,” said Lynn Wyant, chief development officer. “The metal wardrobes that will be placed in our new building will be durable, keep things neat in our clients rooms and give our guests a secure place to keep their belongings while they are staying with us.

“They will last for years and our staff and board are just so thankful to the community for meeting needs and to the Lord for His provisions for the shelter,” Wyant continued.

The Rescue Mission still has need for 168 wardrobes for the new building. Those interested in giving specifically for wardrobes or other furnishings can visit SupplyOurShelter.org to donate.

The #SupplyOurShelter campaign aims to raise $1.5 million to purchase furniture, appliances and other items needed to support those using the shelter. As of Wednesday, the campaign has raised $472,108.

The mission broke ground on the new facility on Youngstown’s North Side in November 2019. As of September, work at the site has seen construction of the foundation, underground facilities and concrete floors, as well as walls. CEO John Muckridge expects the $5.5 project to be completed and ready for use by the spring.

The new 50,000-square-foot building nearly doubles the size of the existing building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and will have 174 beds, up from the 134 currently available.

Pictured at top: Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley’s current location at 962 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.