This year the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley celebrates 130 years of serving those in need.

The mission's mission has remained unchanged since it first opened its doors back in 1893.  Food, Shelter, Safety and a Second Chance. 

It's location has changed over the years, recently moving into a much larger facility on MLK blvd just two years ago from it's old location just down the road.

The mission provides three full meals every day to their clients as well as breakfast and dinner to the public.
They make room for Short-term emergency overnight shelter for singles, married couples and full families.

Many of the men and women they help are clients who live at the mission.

"If we just give hand outs that just gives dependence on the hand. We just kind of build into to them that if you are capable to go out and work save money and be good stewards of that so when they move out they stay out," said Rescue Mission President and CEO, John Muckridge.

Most people think the mission is simply a place for the homeless to stay when temperatures drop but, especially recently, that has not been the case.

"The increase in food and inflation the numbers are continuing to grow. We have 186 beds and they are full," said Muckridge.

The rescue mission is funded through local donations only. They accept no government funding because they choose to teach the Gospel to all of its clients.

The rescue mission will hold a special open house this Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. to showcase their newer facility and their programs.