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| Whenever the
Mission appeals for a special project and that need is met,
the remainder of funds goes into our general operating funds
to provide programs and services for our homeless men, women
and children. |
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Your entire contribution is received by the Merced
County Rescue Mission. Your continued support is
greatly appreciated.
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Our History
Our
Ministry
Friend
of the Friendless
Become
a Prayer Partner
Understanding the Homeless
UNDERSTANDING THE HOMELESS
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Many people when thinking of a
homeless person see the image of a grizzled old man who has had a drinking
problem. At one time, that picture was more often than not a correct one.
Yet, more and more the homeless look just like the rest of us.
The homeless people we house sometimes have college and graduate degrees;
and sometimes that cannot read past the first grade level. Some are
mentally ill, addicted to drugs or alcohol addicted; and others are
dedicated Christians who have never used any addictive drug. Many have
worked in highly skilled professional jobs; and others have not worked in
as long as they can remember. Many are veterans with distinguished service
records; others have been disqualified from the military for a variety of
reasons.
Many of the new residents we will be getting in the coming months have
never been homeless before they come to us. As you read this, they have
homes and families. Like so many in our community, they are just one
crisis away from staying with us. They may be sharing housing with friends
who send them away. They may be working from paycheck to paycheck with no
reserves for job or medical emergencies. They may be mothers who are just
now getting up their courage to take the kids and leave their abusive
husbands.
While definitive demographics are not available since those who are
homeless often do not want to be counted, the picture of the homeless
nationwide looks similar to this:
35% of the homeless are families with children
30% are women
79% are under the age of 50
30% of the homeless have jobs
61% are Caucasian
17% are African -American
16% are Hispanic
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Show them kindness
and respect.
Your smile can be a break in the isolation and hopelessness that many of
them live with every day. Treating the homeless with courtesy can give
them the energy to begin to lift themselves out of a bad situation. It
tells them they are not invisible!
2.
Don't give money.
Money won't solve their problem. It can be used
to buy drugs or alcohol. It may help them to
avoid facing the root causes of their problems
for just one day more. Instead, give them
certificates to restaurants. Or better yet,
direct them to our Mission or another shelter
where they can get help to begin the journey out
of hopelessness.
3. Pray for them.
God loves every homeless person regardless of
how they may look or act. He expects us to love
them, too. Pray for those you meet. You may even
pray with them; but remember some of the
homeless are fearful, angry and paranoid so
always respond to them with your own safety
needs in mind.
4. Teach others to care.
Help others, especially young people, to understand and to care about
those who are homeless. Whether at home, work or church, the Lord may be
calling you to tell others what you "have had ears to hear and eyes
to see."
5. Volunteer your time and talents.
The Mission uses a wide variety of
volunteers.
Some lead worship, others teach Bible studies, many serve meals, paint our
facilities, drive vans and serve in many other ways. Get involved and
bring your family and friends with you!
6. Donate household items.
A phone call to us is all that's needed to schedule a pickup of your
donation of "gently used" items. We also receive your donations
at our house at 1921 Canal Street, Merced CA 95340. We supply clothing and household
goods to our residents as well as to the poor in the community.
7. Contribute financially.
In a typical year, 70% of our income comes from
donations
from people like you. Some people give $2.00 a week, some give $25.00 a
month, while others make one large gift each year. However you are led to
participate, please know that we are very grateful for any gift and we
will be good stewards of it.
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Our History
Our
Ministry
Friend
of the Friendless
Become a
Prayer Partner
Your donation today will help insure that
the Merced County Rescue Mission
can continue to
provide food, shelter and life changing services
to the homeless and hurting in the Merced area.
Electronic Funds Transfer
Non-Monetary Donations
Automobile Donations
Will & Estate Planning
Honor & Memorial Giving
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