Gateway Center (Emergency Shelter) Admissions at 10-year High

For Immediate Release
6-30-2011

The Allentown Rescue Mission says it is experiencing a surge in the number of homeless people seeking services at its Emergency Shelter. The Mission operates the Gateway Center, a shelter for homeless men.

Although homelessness is not a cold weather problem, the public is usually more aware of homelessness when temperatures become life-threateningly cold. Still, the numbers of homeless men seeking help at the Mission generally drop a bit with the warmer weather, partly due the availability of seasonal employment, but that hasn’t happened this year.

“Our homeless shelter admissions are at a 10-year high,” says Gary Millspaugh, the Executive Director of the Allentown Rescue Mission. “In the past 12 months, 852 men have come for emergency shelter. Compared to the 12 months before that, of 733, the numbers are up 20%.”

Since the early 2000’s, the Mission served about 600 men per year, until they saw an increase to 722 men in 2009, and admissions have been rising ever since.

Those figures document unique or unduplicated individuals seeking assistance at the homeless shelter. Program Director Brian Phillips says that in addition to this increase, he has seen more men forced to seek assistance several times until they are able to “get back on their feet.” He explains that in the past, men would need temporary help from the Mission; they would find work, save their income, and then find permanent housing. The “working poor” who live paycheck to paycheck are more vulnerable to losing their housing. There’s no longer “a safety net,” says Phillips. There are fewer jobs available; if they are unable to maintain a position, they may return to the Mission, seeking service.

One of the main objectives of the Gateway Center is to encourage a man to enter a long-term program, if appropriate, to address and resolve issues which have contributed to his homelessness. For example, a man with a drug or alcohol addiction and a pattern of homelessness would be evaluated for drug and alcohol treatment. He may be referred to the Mission’s in-house, state-licensed drug and alcohol treatment program. However, Phillips states that there “has not been a spike in the number of drug addiction or mental illness cases.”

Join Us for the National Day of Prayer

Join the Allentown Rescue Mission and Local Churches in the National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 5th, 2011 at the Arts Park, North 5th & Linden Streets, Allentown.

Corporate Prayer will be led by area churches 12:05 - 12:35 pm. Fellowship will start earlier, at 11 am and will continue after prayer time until 1 pm. Churches welcome to set up information tables!

Join us in prayer for:
• Government • Military • Media • Business •
• Education • Church • Family •

For more information, contact Rev. Dan Adams, the Mission's Chaplain, at 610-740-5500 ext. 29 or email danadams@rcn.com.

You can download a church bulletin insert or flyer to share with friends at http://http://www.allentownrescuemission.org/pdf/National-Day-of-Prayer-Bulletin-Insert.pdf





Watch a brief video on our upcoming gathering for the National Day of Prayer.

$7,170 Raised! Mission Thanks Local Subway Restaurants for Having a Heart

57 Subway Restaurants participated in Have a Heart to raise funds for the Mission. Thoughout February, Subway customers were offered the opportunity to donate a $1 for the Mission and receive a coupon for a free 6" sub with the purchase of a 6".


Representatives from these Subway Restaurant locations raised the most money and stopped by to present the funds donation to the Mission (shown left to right): Bethlehem, represented by George and Tanya Thanhauser, 5th place, raising $410; Gary Millspaugh, Executive Director of the Mission; Fulton Brown, Development Agent, Subway Restaurant; 1st place Art Hoehne, Brodheadsville, raising $1,077; Gary and Jackie Lentz, Schnecksville, 4th Place with $455. Not pictured is Kerry Paules of the Lehighton and Jim Thorpe Subways, which placed 2nd ($856) and 3rd ($460) respectively. Thanks to Subway, and to everyone who donated for Having a Heart!

Still Time to Get a Free Sub at Subway with $1 Donation to Mission!

There's still time to join Subway's Have a Heart promotion to benefit the Allentown Rescue Mission. Through Feb 28th, when you stop by one of 57 participating Subway Restaurants throughout the Lehigh Valley, you can donate $1 to the Mission and get a coupon for a free 6" sub when you buy a 6" sub. The coupon's valid through March 31st! And since Subway's running it's famed "$5 Footlong" special, it's a great time to get a great meal and help the Mission.

Click to view the Have a Heart Video

The Mission Thanks 99.9 the Hawk for More Than $8,000

The Michaels and Layne Cookbook prepared by 99.9 the Hawk and sold at local Top Star Express locations raised more than $8,000 for the Allentown Rescue Mission! The cookbook is an annual project for the Michaels and Layne morning team, and the Mission is honored to have been chosen as the beneficiary this year. In photo Michaels and Layne present Mission executive Director Gary Millspaugh (left)
with proceeds from their cookbook fundraiserThanks to all who bought a cookbook, and to 99.9 the Hawk and Top Star Express for making this a huge success!

To view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTpmFVUW4n0

Life-threatening Temperatures Renew Mission's Operation WARM

With dangerously cold temperatures projected throughout this week, the Allentown Rescue Mission is reviving its Operation WARM campaign. The Mission is currently serving more than 30 individuals in its Gateway Center, which provides emergency shelter. Executive Director Gary Millspaugh expects those numbers to increase throughout the week as subzero temperatures are expected. "This weather is life-threatening to an unsheltered homeless person," Millspaugh said. "Emergency shelter services are crucial."

The dangers posed to the unsheltered homeless were brought to the public's attention tragically in December 2010, when several unsheltered homeless individuals died in Allentown. The Mission launched Operation WARM to raise awareness and provide support for homeless individuals in the Lehigh Valley by raising funds through a text-giving event. The Mission also began a campaign to distribute pocket-sized information cards in downtown Allentown, outling the vital services available so that homeless individuals do not have to stay outside during life-threatening conditions.

The cards were distributed to local businesses by a member of the Clean Team, which is the Mission's workforce development program, and by a concerned volunteer.

The Mission is pleased to report that two homeless individuals who were living under the Hamilton Street Bridge, attracting the attention of local media, have obtained permanent housing. Two others are still receiving services from the Mission.

Indviduals who want to participate in Operation WARM can give a one-time $10 donation from their mobile phones by texting the word WARM to 50555. Participants will receive a confirmation message, and should reply YES to confirm their give. Message and data rates may apply.

Operation WARM to Help Local Homeless People by Doubling Text Gifts

December 21st is the first day of winter and The Longest Night of the Year. It's especially tough on homeless people. The sun will set at 4:31 pm and will not rise until 7:17 am--15 long hours of darkness and cold.

It's also National Homeless Person's Memorial Day, a day of observance to remember those who have perished while homeless. Hypothermia remains a leading, critical and preventable cause of injury and death among those experiencing homelessness. In December 2010 two homeless individuals died in Allentown; one outside on a porch, the other under a bridge.

Between December 15th and 21st, the Allentown Rescue Mission will run a special mobile giving campaign called Operation WARM to help provide shelter, meals and life-changing programs at the Mission. You can join in by texting the word WARM to 50555 to make a onetime $10 donation to the Mission.

And now through the 21st, each $10 text donation will be matched, dollar for dollar, turning each $10 gift into $20, thanks to the generosity of:

• The law firm of Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba
• A-Team Auto Center, 1095 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall
• A T & D Communications
• Health Habits, 5350 Rte. 873, Schnecksville
• TD Bank

You'll receive a confirmation text message; please reply YES to confirm your donation. (Data and message rates may apply. Reply STOP to 50555 to stop. Full Terms: mGive.org/T.)

Please share this opportunity with your friends. Visit http://www.allentownrescuemission.org/ for more information, to read the press release, or for a printable flyer. We now make it easier to share our information on your favorite social networking sites; just look for the "Share" icon.

Watch our Operation WARM video:

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs-12 Days of Giving to Benefit the Mission

When you shop at Majestic Clubhouse on selected days (shown on left) and mention the Allentown Rescue Mission, 10% of your purchase will be donated to the Mission!

You can also shop online with our customized link http://ironpigs.milbstore.com/store.cfm?partner_id=10 .

Get your favorite Iron Pigs fans great gifts and help the Mission at the same time!

Players of the Stage Production to Benefit the Mission

Players of the Stage, a youth theatre group, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by staging A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (adapted for stage by Anna Lauffer.)

Ebenezer Scrooge considers himself a good man of business; everyone else knows him as a miser. Scrooge cares little for the opinions of others until a visit from his dead partner sends him on a journey to face himself and the chance to be redeemed--if he wants it.

Tickets are free, but reservations are required. This is a benefit show; in lieu of a ticket price, Players of the Stage will take a freewill offering at each show that will go entirely to the Mission! With their last two benefit shows for the Mission, they were able to donate over $10,500!




The shows will be performed at Living Hope Presbyterian Church, 330 Schantz Road, Allentown (Wescosville) on December 2, 3, 4, at 7 pm and a matinee in December 4th at 2 pm.





For information and ticket reservations, e-mail Beth Barshinger at tgbembus@yahoo.com , playersofthestage@yahoo.com or call 610-923-6742, 610-216-3195.





Click here for a church bulletin insert or flyer to share with a friend.

Support the Mission with Online Purchases with Good Shop

If you're doing any online shopping, you can help support the Mission effortlessly!

Download the Allentown Rescue Mission's toolbar, and every time you shop at more than 1,300 online stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to the Allentown Rescue Mission, at no cost to you! You may even be able to SAVE money as the toolbar provides coupons and special deals as well.

The toolbar also has a search box, and each time you search the internet, about a penny is donated to the Mission. Please use and share with your friends! http://http//www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/allentown-rescue-mission

4-Star Rating for Allentown Rescue Mission From Leading Charity Evaluator

Allentown Rescue Mission announced it has achieved the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator. The Allentown Rescue Mission is a local ministry to homeless men, providing emergency shelter, drug and alcohol treatment, life skills/transitional living and permanent housing.



The Mission received this highest rating for efficiently managing and growing its finances. Approximately a quarter of the charities evaluated will receive this rating. According to a letter from Ken Berger, Charity Navigator’s President and Chief Executive Officer, the rating indicates that the “Allentown Rescue Mission executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation…differentiates Allentown Rescue Mission from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”



According to Gary Millspaugh, the Mission’s Executive Director, “The news is unexpected, but not a surprise. We have been working very hard for years to improve our programs and keep fund raising costs under control. Our funding comes mainly from private sources, and our typical donor is an individual who gives an average of about $45.00. The work we do for our homeless clients is, I believe, remarkable. In addition to shelter, we have excellent programs, paying jobs and workforce training and low cost housing to assure that a man can return to the community. Supporting all of these is a ministry that builds faith and a relationship to God and church.”



Millspaugh said that the rating comes at a crucial time. “The Mission’s emergency shelter saw a spike in its usage in early August, with 35 men using the services on a given night. That usage is more typical of November through February. More men are citing job loss and prolonged unemployment as the main factors contributing to their homelessness, now, more than in previous years.”



“It has us bracing for the coming months, and very concerned,” Millspaugh said. “Although homelessness is not a ‘cold weather problem’ we’re expecting usage to continue to increase through fall and winter. It was exciting to get this vote of confidence from Charity Navigator, because we work hard to make the most of what we are given from the public.” Millspaugh added that the charity receives 91% of its funding from private sources.



The Mission’s programs consist of the Gateway Center (emergency shelter) the Life Recovery Treatment Program (a state-licensed residential drug and alcohol treatment program), the Christian Living and Values Program (life skills and transitional living), the Clean Team (workforce development/jobs program) and Housing. Last year, the Mission spent more than $2,106,800 on programs, jobs and housing for homeless men.



Charity Navigator evaluates charities of financial health and organizational efficiency and capacity. Basing their evaluations on financial information provided in IRS Forms 990, they analyze each charity’s performance in program expenses, administrative expenses, fundraising expenses, fundraising efficiency, primary revenue growth and program expenses growth, and working capital ratio.

Food and Supplies Drive

A HUGE "Thank You" to Leanne Aquino, who collected food and supplies for the Mission as a Christian service project for

DeSales University. Leanne collected items from her co-workers at Health Network Laboratories and enlisted the help of Mark Anderson, who collected at B Braun. Leanne also received help from her Facebook friends! Thanks to everyone who helped out!

This is a great project for students, small groups, and businesses. We keep a list of our needs posted at http://www.allentownrescuemission.org/needed.php.

Christian Living Waiting List Expands

To make sure even more men can experience the Life Skills education provided in the Christian Living & Values Program, it recently increased the content of its Waiting List Phase. this should help more men enroll in the "Day Program" Phase, where their daily schedule is filled with classes aimed at helping participants achieve self-sufficiency.

Men on the Waiting List can have up to 9 weeks to wait to enroll in the "Day Program" Phase. They now have daily classes, Bible study, and community service activities scheduled to keep them productively engages until the next class session begins.

Jeff and Shane were among the first men to enter Christian Living's newly expanded Waiting List phase. Both men are in their early twenties, and have had difficulty finding work due to the economy. When asked about their future goals, both men stressed that they want to "graduate from Christian Living. This will be the first of many short and long-term goals the men will set for themselves in the Christian Living & Values Program.

You say "Tomato"...I say...

Back in April we offered tomato seeds to our supporters, as a reminder of the "Seeds of Hope" which are planted at the Mission, sown into the lives of the homeless men we serve.

The small packets had a great deal of potential; in the right environment, with care and nurture, it could yield up to 100 lbs of delicious tomatoes! We encouraged our supporters "feed your family, share with friends, and perhaps send a few to the Mission."

The tomatoes are starting to ripen, and we are grateful for our friends who are sharing with us. We continue to provide "homegrown" services for homeless people right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Personal Care Donations

Each year the Mission serves between 700-800 men, all in need of personal care products. We recently received a large donation of travel-size personal care items from a donor who travels for work. The size is perfect for men served in our Gateway Center. It's length of stay is 14-days. Larger size products are also needed, for men in our long-term program. Any item, big or small, is appreciated. You can find a list of needed items on the Mission's Needs List page http://www.allentownrescuemission.org/needed.php . Thank you to all our generous donors!

Formerly Homeless Emergency Shelter Guest Becomes Donor

Hollis had just moved to the Lehigh Valley from Quakertown and was working at a local restaurant. He was arrested and spent a month in jail before being acquitted of the charges. Long enough, though, to lose his job and housing, which was a month-to-month efficiency.

He came to the Allentown Rescue Mission's Emergency Shelter in September of 1994, and soon enrolled in the Christian Living and Values Program. He stayed in the program for 6 months, then moved into another local ministry, where he stayed for a month. Eventually, he went to live with a friend, which was not a good situation. He admits he "slipped" and needed help.

But Hollis used it as a learning experience. he says he again turned to God and went into a treatment program. Even then, he struggled. In 1996, he returened for a two-week stay in the Mission's Emergency Shelter until he saved enough to rent an apartment. He worked a variety of jobs: in a pizza shop, a car wash, and telemarking at a loan company. This last job opened doors for Hollis, as he worked his way up from telemarker to junior loan officer, to loan officer.

He was able to buy a house, and worked at a bank. Eventually, he bought a second house and continues to rent out the first one. Hollis consistently donates to the Mission through the years, first giving back the clothes he received when he initially came to the Mission. Then, he continued the tradition by donating other items the Mission needed, and as he was able, began donating cash.

Hollus considers it a joy to give back. "if it wasn't for the Mission, I wouldn't have two houses and be drug-free," he says. "The Mission planted inital seeds that the other places watered."

Mission and Mayfair

You can save $1 off Mayfair admission and help the Mission at the same time! Mayfair is collecting rolls of paper towels and spray cleaner at its admission gates for the Mission. Everyone who brings an item will receive $1 off regular admission or $2 off a multi-day pass! The Mission is grateful for this partnership; cleaning products are always needed at the Mission, to keep it clean for the homeless people we serve.

Mayfair Festival of the Arts showcases visual and performing arts in Cedar Beach Park in Allentown. The festival runs Thursday, May 27th through Monday, May 31st. For more information on the festival, visit http://www.mayfairfestival.org/.

Gunther's Left Wing/Right Wing Challenge Sponsors More Than 500 Wings!

"Egged on" by Bobby Gunther Walsh of WAEB AM 790, listeners participated in a friendly competition, calling in to sponsor either Left Wings or Right Wings at $5 each.

By noon on Friday, April 30th, the Right Wingers were soaring with 504 wings sponsored. The Left Wingers sponsored 32 wings, for a total of 536 wings. This raised $2,680--something to crow about--before the dinner began!!

Our thanks to Gunther, WAEB & its listeners for their support!

Chicken Feed Dinner to Support the Mission is a Success!

The Chicken Feed Dinner to support the Allentown Rescue Mission served 321 guests and raised over $19,000! Sixty-five volunteers pitched in to make this event a success.

Our thanks to our sponsors:

Super Chicken Sponsor:
Kutztown Folk Festival

Big Bird Sponsor:
Mr. Bill's Poultry Market

Nest Egg Sponsors:
Bethany United Methodist Church
Brownback Mason & Associates
Chicken Little & the Big Red Chicken
Embassy Bank
Foster Contracting
McAuliffe Hauling and Recycling
Pepsi Bottling Group
W.J. Stiver & Associates

Flock Sponsors:
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Balf
Gannon's Gourmet Foods
Karen Grim-Bogdan
Interstate Fleets, Inc.
Johsua's Tree
Michael Mutarelli
Thomas Nowakowski, Jr.
Brad & Janice Osborne
Melanie Sanchez-Jones
Stotz & Fatzinger Office Supplies
YMCA, Allentown

Wing and A Prayer Sponsors:
Jordan United Church of Christ, South Whitehall
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown

Chicken Nugget Sponsors:
Brickote
Bill Dickinson
New China Buffet
William Pummer, Jr.
Steven Ziminsky

A special thank you to Asbury United Methodist Church for hosting the Chicken Feed...And MANY thanks to our wonderful volunteers!

Bake Sale Benefits the Mission

Marianne (Mary) Knapp, a loyal Mission supporter, sold a variety of baked goods on Sunday, March 28th at the Wal*Mart Supercenter in Easton. Mary baked the goodies herself, and is donating the proceeds to the Mission. Bill Dickinson, the Mission's Director of Development, stopped by for some samples and raved, "They were delicious!"

THANK YOU, Mary, for your hard work and dedication!