The York Rescue Mission was started in 1962 and is a faith based ministry that helps the less fortunate in the York Community. They shelter men, women and children at the mission, and provide food, clothing, counseling and housing for those in their programs, as well as offer spiritual guidance. In 2014, they served more than 185,000 meals and provided overnight shelter for nearly 50,000 people.
They have three ministries to serve the community:
Men’s Ministries
Located on West Market Street in York, the Men’s Ministries offer several programs such as the Spiritual Life Recovery Program for those addicted to alcohol or drugs, Transient Care that provides clothing, shelter and meals to homeless men, and Temporary Senior Foster Care for the 55 and older men with limited resources and nowhere else to go, just to name a few.
Women’s Ministries
Located on Jefferson Avenue in York, the Women’s Ministries provides physical, emotional and spiritual guidance for women and their children who need assistance. They offer an emergency shelter for homeless women and children, a Fresh Start Program to help women get a new start and outlook on life after something like probation from drug charges, and the New Creation Bridge Housing Program which serves as transitional housing while they stabilize their financial futures.
Lighthouse Youth Center Ministries
There are several programs within the Lighthouse Youth Center Ministries to support kids with an After School Club to help with homework and activities to keep them out of trouble, the Teen Evening Program which provides sports, tutoring and Bible study, and Day Camps to give kids the opportunity to visit parks, museums and swimming areas as well as activities like boating and archery.
They also operate Economy Stores where they accept donations like clothes and furniture then give them to the public for free through a voucher program and sell them at the stores with proceeds going directly to support the operations and programs of the Mission.
Moove In Self Storage on Greenbriar Road has partnered with the York Rescue Mission by offering a storage unit for their program collections and donations. They store the donated filled backpacks and sleeping bags that are given out on Christmas Eve at the York Fair Grounds. These backpacks include a new blanket, hygiene items, gloves and hats, school supplies, gifts and other needed items. What a great thing to support our local community in need!
And, both Moove In Self Storage locations in York hold an annual food drive around the holidays to benefit the York Rescue Mission. In 2015, we collected over 400 non-perishable food items! Be sure to drop off your non-perishable food donations starting in November each year when you visit your storage unit.
Because the York Rescue Mission is solely operated on donations and community support, there is so much that you can do to help them. You can donate to the Economy Store, donate non-perishable foods, volunteer your time for their many programs and make a monetary donation to help. Contact them for more information on how you can help today!