Dear Friends:

There is no doubt that this is a painful time for everyone.  We are all suffering through one of the toughest financial downturns in history.  Add this to the fact we are a country at war, and this is an election year, and uncertainty—even anxiety—can result. I personally do not know anyone who has not felt the impact of these turbulent times in some way.

People frequently ask me, “How are things at the Mission?  Are you seeing more people?”  We are seeing more people in need. In fact, during the last fiscal year, the numbers for all of our key services increased dramatically:

1. We provided the most meals ever, over 600,000—up from 550,000 the previous year. 
2. We provided 164,000 nights of shelter, an increase from 152,000 the previous year.
3. We helped 260 families into permanent housing—the most ever. 
4. We graduated 62 people from our New Life rehabilitation program, another all time high.
5. We distributed a record 176 tons of clothing.

As you know, there are many reasons for being homeless such as loss of a job, the high cost of housing, foreclosure, medical expenses, domestic violence, and substance abuse.   Whatever the reason, the Mission has always been committed to helping everyone who comes to us for help. And they have been coming!

As we continue to reach out during this time of human urgency, I hope that you will remember those who are even less fortunate than you and I.  Meeting the growing need during these difficult times is not easy, and we need your help.  Occasionally, I have heard a donor say, “My small gift is insignificant.”  Please know we do not feel that way.  A lot of small gifts may be just what we need to be able to continue meeting the increased demands during this tough time.

You are important to us.  We need your help financially, as volunteers, and with gift-in-kind donations, so that we can meet this urgent need. And if you happen to be a dad or mom who has just lost a job, we can offer you a food box to help you feed your family.

Finally, I want you to know we are praying for you as we face these times together.  We serve an awesome God and know that we can trust in Him!

God Bless!
    
Brad Meuli
CEO