It's not always bad decisions that leave people homeless; sometimes it's just bad breaks.
That is the situation many men in Reading find themselves in. The Hope Rescue Mission is a place to help get them back on their feet.
There is a chapel for worship, beds and blankets to keep warm and plenty of food.
The primary mission is to serve the homeless men in Reading.
"A lot of these guys are coming with different backgrounds. Some of them have had health problems," said Frank Grill, associate director at the mission.
The Hope Rescue Mission is a place to get a second chance. They have a transitional housing program, a safe haven and a Code Blue Shelter.
From November 5 to April 5, the downstairs turns into a warm place for guys to sleep at night. They're given a mattress, a sleeping bag and a pillow. They're not charged any money, and the rescue mission does not turn anyone away.
"Some guys lose their jobs, other guys it's addiction issues," said Grill.
No matter the case, the rescue mission wouldn't survive without volunteers. Grill calls them, "the lifeblood" of the organization.
"If you're looking to volunteer and you're looking to give back to the community, we would love to have you," said Grill.
There is plenty of work to be done. You can serve food, or help with cleaning and painting the facility. Church groups are welcome to donate their time, either singing or praying during services inside the chapel.
Come spring time, the rescue mission is looking for volunteers to help expand the Hope Garden. They're looking for supplies and an extra set of hands to build more vegetable beds in their back yard.
You can volunteer at your leisure, whether you're looking for one day a week or five days. Volunteers are needed all year long.
It's an opportunity to give back, and a chance to get a stark perspective of what the men are going through.
"For these gentleman, they end up being a very ignored part of society and when there is interaction here, they really appreciate it," said Grill.
If you would like to volunteer, just call the Hope Rescue Mission at 610-375-4224, or visit their website at www.hopeforreading.org.
Proof Positive: Hope Rescue Mission
Published: Dec 17 2012 07:00:00 PM EST
Updated On: Dec 19 2012 05:47:56 AM EST
Proof Positive
-
Copyright 2012 WFMZ. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Advertisement
- Shillington standoff: 17-year-old found, safe, not inside home
- Crash causes traffic problems in Reading
- Reading Police K-9s entertain kids
- Patriot's Day teaches American history at Brecknock E.S.
- Show of support for recovering athletic director
- Jaws of life used to free man
- School budget proposal includes job cuts
- 3 vehicles collide on Allentown Pike; 2 men trapped, injured
- Okla. native leads Fightins' effort to help tornado victims
- YNOT Awards honor Berks County's high school theater
- Serial burglar nabbed in Reading
- Muhlenberg Burger King that caught fire Tuesday to reopen Thursday
- Volunteers place US flags at veterans' graves
- Heat, maintenance to blame for tri-county power outage
- Memorial Day service to follow 32nd annual parade in Exeter
- Motorcyclist killed in crash with car in Amity, police say
- Bernville parade, service to honor heroes past, present
- Firefighters prevent Burger King from going up in flames
- Francis Acosta wins Democratic nod for Reading City Council president
- Deadly wreck on Route 222 followed by pair of crashes at same spot
- Chef Alan's closes Fairgrounds Square restaurant
- KidsPeace files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
- Disney's pirates, princesses to bring adventure to Reading
- Hazmat incident prompts scare at state office building in Reading
- Police: Beware of phone scams
- Shillington standoff: 17-year-old found, safe, not inside home
- Serial burglar nabbed in Reading
- Police: Beware of phone scams
- Teens surrender in robbery of blind college student in Reading
- Officials: Neglected dog left behind part of growing trend
- Drug trafficking operation busted, officials say
- "Dream Girls" come to Reading
- Deputies to hit streets with new piece of technology
- Woman arrested in theft of 36 cell phones; 3 others sought
- Images: Drugs, guns cash seized during 'Operation M3' bust
- Owner of home where Ariel Castro grew up speaks to 69 News
- Drugs found in West Reading home, 2 arrested, police say
- 3 arrested, drugs seized in raid of apartment in Reading
- Man who was shot by police sentenced to prison
- Businessman ordered to serve life in prison for wife's murder
- Bank employee steals, sells customers' information, officials say
- Homicide victim's son: 'There's still times I have nightmares'
- Man accused of stealing insurance money heading to prison
- Tip to Crime Alert helps police nab rape suspect
- Best friend of homicide victim's son arrested in 2002 killing

Comments