Requests for assistance up dramatically; cash donations and volunteerism keep pace

Kansas City, Mo. (April 7, 2009) – With the tight economy, hungry, homeless, and hurting people are flooding to rescue missions in record numbers, according to a study by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). In 2008, North America’s rescue 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 and more than ever before in the 96-year history of the association.

Last year, AGRM member organizations offered 16.9 million nights of lodging (an increase of 2.3 percent over 2007), distributed 21.4 million pieces of clothing (up 14.4 percent), and handed out 4.2 million furniture items (an increase of 37.6 percent) to people in need. AGRM members reported exceeding previous highs in nearly all service categories.

“Rescue missions reported about a 6 percent increase in total social services in 2008 over 2007,” said John Ashmen, executive director of AGRM. “Whenever there is a need among North America’s homeless and poor population, rescue missions are ready and able to meet the need.”

Ashmen praised the support local communities offered to AGRM member ministries. Two missions reported growth in cash donations for every one at which giving decreased.   

“Even in tough times, cash donations to rescue missions increased by 3 percent during 2008,” Ashmen said. “People in need just keep coming to the mission doors. Now is the time for each community to step up and support their local mission. Every gift makes a difference.”

AGRM included a variety of mission services in the study. For example, 532,300 students took part in mission after-school programs and youth clubs (up 36.6 percent from 2007), 163,700 medical/dental visits were recorded (down 3.5 percent), 9,746 residents earned education diplomas or other scholastic certificates (a jump of 9.7 percent), 16,595 graduated from mission programs (an increase of 13.9 percent), and 9,746 people were placed in jobs through the efforts of the mission (up 9.7 percent).

Helping to defray the cost of service, more than 1.1 million volunteers gave time to local missions in 2008, a growth of 57.3 percent from the previous year.

“Caring for the homeless and hurting is the responsibility of the entire community,” Ashmen said. “We’re excited to have so many volunteers join with our missions in serving people in need.”

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.

For more information, see the AGRM website at www.agrm.org, or call 1-800-4RESCUE.