Need continues to grow at rescue mission

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Directors with local shelters in the area say they’ve been seeing increasing volume and a greater need for services.

Those in charge of the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley tell us they have seen nearly full capacity in recent weeks. Since last October, directors have recorded significant increases in the numbers of men, women and families staying overnight in their shelter as well as more people seeking meals.

“Every month, every year both on the men’s side and the women and family side, we were averaging 95 on the men’s side and 79 on the women and family side. About 30 of them children,” said John Muckridge, CEO of the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.

Directors say the increases could be due to rising costs of living in the area as well as rising numbers of people with mental and physical health problems that leave them unable to live on their own.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.