SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION JOINS IN RECORD SERVICES TO NEEDY

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission -- 100,000 meals served!

Contact: Michelle Porter, Executive Director

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION JOINS
IN RECORD SERVICES TO NEEDY

Uncertain economic times increases numbers
of hungry, homeless seeking assistance

Regina, SK April 15, 2009 – A slow economy, job losses, and home foreclosures are combining to cause hungry and homeless people to seek more help than ever before from North America’s rescue missions, according to a study by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). In 2008, AGRM member missions provided 48.4 million meals—enough to feed the entire population of Texas twice—an increase of 5.9 percent from the previous year.

In Regina, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission served nearly 100,000 meals in 2008, a similar number from the previous year.

“We’ve seen different types of people coming to the mission for help,” said Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission Executive Director Michelle Porter. “Many more homeless families and working poor are coming to our door for a meal or emergency shelter. Depending on which financial expert you listen to, we might expect the 2009 numbers to increase as well.”

In 2008, AGRM member organizations, including Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, offered 16.9 million nights of lodging, distributed 21.4 million pieces of clothing, and handed out 4.2 million furniture items to people in need. AGRM members reported exceeding previous highs in nearly all service categories. The Mission provided 36,100 nights lodging, and gave out over 9000 pieces of clothing.

“Rescue missions reported about a 6 percent increase in social services in 2008 over 2007,” said John Ashmen, executive director of AGRM. “Our member missions are accustomed to responding when times get tough. An economic slump only increases the need in the community.”

Ashmen praised the support local communities offered to AGRM member ministries. Twice as many missions reported growth in cash donations as those that experienced a decrease in giving last year.

“Even in tough times, total cash donations to rescue missions increased by 3 percent during 2008,” Ashmen said.

Porter said, “People in need just keep coming to our doors. Now is the time for the community to step up and support Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Some folks must restrict spending—we understand that—but please don’t cut back on generosity. Every gift makes a difference.”

Founded in 1913, the Kansas City-based Association of Gospel Rescue Missions represents about 270 rescue missions in communities across North America. AGRM exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted; and to accelerate quality and effectiveness in member missions.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is a full service social service agency which exsists to rescue people from poverty, addiction and despair. They work hard 365 days a year to feed, clothe and shelter the poor and needy in Regina and extending throughout the province. They also offer a one-year recovery program for those with addictions and other life-controlling problems. They are the proud recipient of the 2009 Paragon Award for Best New Business Venture, reflecting the merger of two of the cities most significant charities that serve the poor and homeless.

To volunteer, or for more information, please go to www.shrm.ca or call 543-0011.

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