October marks the beginning of a very vital period of time for The City Mission. Like most non-profits, October – December is the most important fundraising period of the year. In fact, we typically raise about 45% of our total year’s budget during this time. Unlike most non-profits in town, The City Mission receives no government money. In fact, 70% of our budget is provided by individual donors who send in a gift 2 – 3 times a year. We thank God for the thousands of friends who stand with the Mission in supporting its ministries. This year though, may prove to be both unique and very difficult.

If you’ve been watching the Plain Dealer you’ve seen reports over the last several months of non-profits throughout the city either closing their doors or cutting back on their programs. The fiscal crisis facing our country has severely impacted non-profit organizations nationwide. Foundation funding is down, corporate gifts have been cut back, individuals have fewer dollars to share and yet the need and demand for services is growing with no signs of slowing down. Increasing numbers of people are looking for help in just obtaining the basic necessities of life – food, clothing and shelter.

It’s almost incomprehensible that in a country like the United States of America we are facing a crisis like this – tens of thousands of people, out on the streets of our cities with no place to go, nowhere to live and insufficient resources to provide for their own most basic needs.

Ninety-nine years ago the City of Cleveland was facing a similar situation. A growing immigrant population was desperately in need of help. The City Fathers together with local Church leaders and Business leaders knew the answer – a downtown arm of the Church! They knew then that the Church was best equipped to compassionately and responsibly care for people. And out of that need The City Mission was established and has been faithfully reaching out with compassion and hope ever since. The plan was simple – local churches funneling their time, talent, and treasure through the downtown arm of the church to meet the growing need of the city. It was brilliant and it worked!

What about today?  What appears to be an overwhelming, impossible situation can be met, faced and overcome by the power of the Gospel and the faithfulness of God’s people. Together we can turn what looks like an impossible crisis into mission possible! To donate your time or financial gifts to The City Mission please go to: www.thecitymission.org or call 216-431-3510.