The Mission welcomed a visit from U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly last week, as part of the efforts to help the congressman better understand the challenges community organizations face serving the homeless and vulnerable populations.
During the tour, the congressman met with staff, observed the day-to-day operations, and engaged in conversation with Jack H. Lynn, the Mission’s president and CEO. While the City Rescue Mission does not accept federal, state or local government funding, its leadership emphasized the importance of advocacy and dialogue with elected officials to represent the needs of the homeless as well as those struggling with food insecurity, mental health and substance abuse.
“We are incredibly thankful for the Congressman’s visit,” Lynn said. “Though we operate independently of government agencies, we recognize the importance of sharing our experiences and the needs for those we serve directly with our government leaders.”
Lynn noted that while he typically meets with congressional leaders annually in Washington, D.C., during the Citygate Network DC Forum held each March, he was especially encouraged by the congressman’s willingness to visit the Mission in person this year. Citygate Network is North America’s oldest and largest community of independent, faith-based crisis shelters and life-transformation centers.
More than 300 organizations from across the country are currently members of Citygate Network, including the City Rescue Mission.
The discussion between Kelly and Lynn highlighted several pressing issues facing missions across the country and in communities such as Lawrence County. These include limited access and barriers to treatment relating to mental health, increase of substance abuse and the fentanyl crisis, a growing shortage of affordable housing, and the impact of the recent downturn in charitable giving since the expiration of temporary legislation that allowed non-itemizers to qualify for a tax deduction.
“These are not just policy issues, they are real-life challenges affecting people every day,” Lynn added. “We must continue to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.”
“We continue to see an increase in homelessness across our nation, and Lawrence County is no exception,” Lynn continued.
In January, HUD reported that homelessness increased 16% in 2024 compared to 2023 in the United States. The City Rescue Mission experienced a 35% increase in the number of individuals seeking overnight emergency shelter over the same period.
“This is a complex issue with no easy solutions or answers. Many different factors can result in an individual becoming homeless and while there are some similarities, each case is unique and requires different services,” Lynn said. “We must work together, as a community, government, local agencies, and the faith-based community to help those living in homelessness get out of it and into a stable living environment. The City Rescue Mission thanks God for calling us to serve and support those in need and will continue to advocate for them as we work alongside other organizations and agencies serving on various task forces in our community.”
The City Rescue Mission was founded in 1911 and provides emergency shelter and care to homeless men, women, and women with children who are seeking to gain housing and employment, as well as providing three hot meals a day to those sheltering with them and one hot meal daily that is open to anyone in the community.
The Mission also operates a food pantry through its Family Care Ministry that provides food and hygiene items monthly to families and individuals in need.
Kelly expressed appreciation for the work done by the City Rescue Mission and affirmed his commitment to listening to and supporting community-based solutions to these complex social issues.
“Jack and his team do incredible work for the Lawrence County community. I want to thank them for hosting me and my team this week,” Kelly said.
