RESCUE MISSIONS REPORT 10% INCREASE IN ASSISTANCE
Norfolk, VA - Homeless and poor persons seeking assistance from rescue missions
increased in 1994 more than 10% over the previous year, according to statistics compiled
by the 250 member missions of the International Union of Gospel Missions (IUGM).
Meals served by missions in 1994 totaled 27,400,000 or 75,000 per day, up 10% from
1993. Beds provided came to 9,055,000, approximately 24,800 per night, an increase of 14%
over 1993. Clothing items distributed were 13,700,000 which is 23% greater than the
previous year, making the IUGM one of the largest providers of social service in North
America.
"These numbers point out the need for rescue missions to serve the poor and needy,
especially when congress is debating welfare reform," said Rev. Stephen Burger,
Executive Director of the IUGM. The report was released as part of the 82nd Annual
Convention of the IUGM running May 27-31 at the Omni International Hotel in Norfolk,
Virginia. "Rescue mission workers should be part of the welfare debate," added
Burger. "Our people are experts on welfare, we've been caring for the poor since
1913, before welfare was a part of our governmental system."
Gathering under the theme of "Vision", more than 700 delegates from over 250
rescue missions across North America, and around the world, are discussing how to minister
to the needs of homeless and poor people in light of current economic and political
conditions, including proposed changes in the U.S. welfare system.
"Rescue mission workers need a vision for people reform," said Burger.
"If we are going to be effective in helping the poor move away from welfare, we must
be leaders in seeing them change their lives. Personal responsibility must be the basis
for help programs. A house or a job are not the answer, life change is.
"A rescue mission is more than just food and shelter," continued Burger,
"it is a place where an individual can make permanent changes in their lifestyle
through the help of rehabilitation, education, job training and spiritual guidance. Our
member missions are dealing with the whole person: mind, body and soul."
Restructuring of the welfare system "will have an appreciable impact on charities,
particularly those who serve the poor. We're preparing for a tremendous influx of
people," said Rev. Kaleel Ellison, Executive Director of the Reno-Sparks Rescue
Mission and IUGM President, "but I believe that congress is on the right track. One
of the biggest enablers in the nation is the government."
Long-term rehabilitation programs are where mission clients are making life changes
that will allow them to move back into the mainstream of society. "As the government
takes less responsibility for the poor and needy, more of that burden will fall on the
not-for-profit organizations, especially rescue missions," said Del Maxfield,
Executive Director of the Denver Rescue Mission and IUGM Board Member. "We're
prepared to expand our long-term programs to help people move toward self
sufficiency." Burger added, "The challenge is before us to get these people
involved in life change that will move them back into the community. But change in
people's lives takes patience, love and persistence just like it does for your
children."
In 1994, 41.2% of those staying at rescue missions were enrolled in long-term
rehabilitation programs. The Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles moved into a new facility
in 1994 in order to meet increased demand for rehabilitation services. "We tripled
our square footage and were at capacity within six weeks after moving" said Liz
Moorandian of the Union Rescue Mission. "Emergency services are critical, especially
for women and children, but it takes long-term programs to turn their lives around. People
don't change in one or two months."
Lorraine Minor, Chairman of the IUGM's Women's and Family Ministry Track, agrees,
"Welfare as we know it has crippled our women and families, but we can't just remove
the crutch and tell them to walk again. We need to come along side with the education, job
placement, life skills and child care needed to get each head of the household stabilized
in their responsibility. Rescue missions have proven that the private sector can be the
link needed to help with the transition to stabilized living."
Mission workers know how to encourage clients toward stability because many staff
members were formerly homeless themselves. In 1994, 23% of paid staff members were once
clients of rescue missions. "People who were once part of the problem have become
part of the solution," said Burger.
Will proposed welfare changes impact the number of people on the streets? The experts
say "yes".
"Welfare reform will affect us but not surprise us," said Minor.
"We are preparing for an influx of people clamoring for help," added
Maxfield.
Ellison looks for more ways to minister. "We anticipate greater opportunities to
come forward and stand in the gap. Many more may turn to God who have been depending on
government."
Whatever changes are made, they must be carefully orchestrated, added Burger,
"Abrupt change, even in a bad system has consequences. These need to be thought
through and plans made to address them. Discipline, dignity and the self-esteem associated
with making it on your own must be a part of the solution. These are the elements of life
change that our rescue missions can offer.
Compassion for the poor is Biblical. Our frustration with the current welfare system
should not exclude that compassion. Love and discipline compliment each other."
Since 1913, the International Union of Gospel Missions, headquartered in Kansas City,
Missouri, has worked with missions who provide emergency food and shelter, youth and
family services, jail ministries, rehabilitation programs for the addicted, mentally ill,
elderly, poor, inner-city youth and street kids.
# # #
Phil Rydman, Director of
Communications (prydman@iugm.org)
May 24, 1995
(816)471-8020
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