hits for homeless teams

Events

Upcoming Events

City Mission has a busy, year-long calendar of events.  You can help support these events by attending, volunteering, or donating.  City Mission offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy eating sweets, playing golf, running, or more.  Below, you can find our Event Calendar and some event-related articles.  Mark your calendars for our next event!

Sweet Sunday

Sweet & Savory Sunday

February 22, 2026- Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe

I Want to Join!
Sweet Sunday

Diana's Race

Support City Mission by sponsoring Diana and her family as they complete the 2026 Disney Run Coast to Coast Challenge: January 8th-February 1st

Sponsor Diana!
Sweet Sunday

Mission Possible XI 5k Run/Fun Walk

August 1st, 2026- Peterswood Park

I Want to Join!
Sweet Sunday

9th Annual Golf Outing

August 17th, 2026- Valley Brook Country Club

I Want to Join!
Sweet Sunday

WCCF Gives

September 2026

WCCF Gives is a leadership initiative of the Washington County Community Foundation designed to help local charities secure unrestricted financial support for their missions.To Donate: click the button below to be directed!

I Want to Help!
Sweet Sunday

Hits for Homeless with Range Resources

September 2026

Sweet Sunday

Conversation on a Bench

October 9 - 10
84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301

This World Homeless Day, City Mission invites our community to take part in a meaningful conversation about homelessness. On October 9–10, our President & CEO, Diana Irey Vaughan, will spend 24 hours on a bench, listening, sharing, and engaging with anyone who stops by. This is a national initiative! By participating in Conversations on a Bench, City Mission joins rescue missions across North America, all raising voices simultaneously to shift public perception, spark empathy, and build connection. Community members are welcome to pop in for a conversation or schedule a time at Contact@citymission.org.

Learn MoreLive Stream
Sweet Sunday

Boxes of Love

Collection runs September 1st -November 1st
Contact: Anne Wightman 724-222-8530 x 266 / Awightman@citymission.org

More Info!
Sweet Sunday

Tree of Angels

Help us collect Christmas gifts for our residents!
To set up a tree at your church, business, or organization, please contact:
Laura Degnan at Ldegnan@citymission.org

Amazon Wishlist

Latest News from the Mission

Our News Articles provide information on all manner of topics related to the City Mission.  Our Subject areas include:  Mission Highlights; Resident Stories; and Rescue Line Newsletters.  Mission Highlights engages a host of topics regarding homelessness, addiction, poverty and City Mission information.  Below you will find an opportunity to be “in-the-know” by being on our email list.  You will also find our most recent news pulled together for you below.  Checkout the "Podcast" section of our Knowledge Share articles page!

Deb's Transformation

Deb Transforms her life at City Mission
February 18, 2026

When Deb stood in the auditorium cheering for her grandson as he graduated from nursing school, she felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Her daughter—also a nurse—pinned him during the ceremony, and Deb watched proudly from her seat. These are the kinds of moments she once believed she would never experience again. For more than 12 years, addiction and grief had separated her from her children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. But this year, surrounded by her family once more, Deb celebrated not just her grandson’s achievement—but her own healing. “City Mission really saved my life.” Loss, Grief, and a Turning Point Deb grew up in a loving home and went on to build a beautiful life with her husband of 42 years. They raised two children and were deeply rooted in their church and community. When he died unexpectedly, Deb’s world fell apart. She became angry with God and felt her faith slip away. Alcohol quickly became her way of coping with the pain. As the years passed, her addiction strained her relationships and isolated her from the people she loved most. The lowest point came in a quiet hotel room in Uniontown, where she wrote goodbye letters to her family. She truly believed her life was over. But God had other plans. A teenage girl approached her outside the hotel and said, “God loves you.” Deb didn’t accept the words at the time, but the girl noticed signs of a heart attack and called for help. EMTs arrived, saved her life, and a social worker gently encouraged her to pursue treatment. After completing rehab, a counselor recommended she come to City Mission. Deb wasn’t sure she wanted to live in a structured environment with other women, but she trusted her counselor—so she came. And that decision changed everything. Finding Safety, Stillness, and New Strength When Deb arrived at City Mission, she told herself each morning, “Stay today. You can leave tomorrow.” But as the days passed, she began to feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. She was welcomed with compassion, smiles, encouragement, and staff who believed in her even before she believed in herself. Through chapel services, counseling, case management, and the gentle guidance of faith-filled staff, Deb slowly felt her anger melt away. She describes her spiritual renewal as a rebirth: “It was like becoming a butterfly.” Her grandson even gave her a butterfly ring to celebrate her first year of sobriety. This December, she will celebrate two years clean. Rediscovering Joy and Purpose During work therapy, Deb was assigned to the kitchen with Food Services Manager Judy Sandy. When Judy discovered that Deb once baked wedding cakes to support her family, she encouraged her to use those skills again. Deb began baking for residents, creating desserts that filled the kitchen with warmth and joy. Cooking brought back pieces of herself she had forgotten—memories of her mother, her home, and the creativity she once loved. She also began helping staff with transportation needs. Although she hadn’t driven in six years, she quickly found joy behind the wheel again—especially as it gave her the opportunity to mentor other women. Today, Deb leads Monday morning devotions, serves as a Resident Assistant at Sally’s House, and has become a steady source of encouragement to the women coming behind her. “I get to give again. Give back what was given to me.” The Best Gift of All: Family Reconnected Deb’s time at City Mission has given her many things—faith, confidence, purpose—but the greatest gift has been her restored family. By using the tools she learned in the program, she was able to approach her relationships with patience and grace. Slowly, her children and grandchildren opened their hearts to her again. Now, Deb is part of birthdays, holidays, and daily life. Her grandson has welcomed her into her great-grandson Roman’s life—a milestone she once thought impossible. And this summer, she will join her family on their annual beach trip for the first time in twelve years. “I can see my family now.” A Future Full of Hope Deb keeps a prayer wall in her room, covered in Bible verses, quotes, and butterflies—symbols of her transformation. She has learned to “be still,” to listen, and to trust God again. She hopes to move into her own apartment in the new year and remain close to City Mission, where she has found community and purpose. Her dream is to return to the Mission one day as a mentor, walking alongside women who are beginning the same journey she once feared to start. When asked what City Mission taught her, she said: “That I am caring. That I am wanted.” And about God: “He walked with me through all of it. My faith is stronger now than it has ever been.” For Deb, life is full again. And for the first time in a long time, the future is bright.

Healing the Whole Person Through Christ-Centered Care

Mind, body, and spirit
December 31, 2025

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives…” — Isaiah 61:1 In the Bible, we see again and again how Jesus met people’s physical needs alongside their spiritual ones. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and welcomed those the world had cast aside. At City Mission, we strive to follow that same example. Homelessness is not just a housing issue. It’s a people issue—one that requires care for the whole person. That’s why City Mission doesn’t just provide shelter. We walk with people through recovery, medical care, job readiness, and spiritual restoration. Because healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in relationship, with Christ at the center. A Safe Place to Begin Again For many, the first step toward healing begins with simply having a safe place to rest. City Mission provides that safety through its shelter programs for men, women, and children—offering more than a bed, but a stable, supportive environment where healing can start. Hali, a former resident, remembers what that felt like. “City Mission gives you a sense of relief,” she said. “It gives you the knowledge that you have support and that you’re not alone. You don’t ever have to be afraid to ask for help.” For Hali, the shelter was more than temporary housing. It was a turning point. With the support of staff and the fellowship of others walking similar paths, she began to rebuild—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. Today, City Mission operates five long-term shelters for men, women, women with children, and veterans—providing space for up to 212 individuals at a time. These shelters serve as a foundation for deeper recovery, stability, and transformation. Treating the Body with Compassion Healing the whole person means addressing physical health as well. Many people experiencing homelessness suffer from untreated conditions—chronic pain, infections, mental health struggles—that make it difficult to move forward. City Mission’s onsite Medical Clinic steps into that gap. Through the work of a full-time nurse and volunteer medical professionals from the local community, residents receive free preventive, primary, and urgent care. The City Mission Medical clinic partners Centerville Clinics to offer comprehensive services and connect patients to ongoing treatment. For someone who hasn’t seen a doctor in years—or who’s been discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go—this care can be lifesaving. A Path Toward New Life Addiction and homelessness often go hand in hand. Many of the men and women who come to City Mission are seeking freedom from drugs or alcohol, but they need more than detox. They need hope. They need support. And they need a long-term plan. City Mission’s faith-based recovery programs offer just that. Residents participate in counseling, life skills classes, Bible studies, and mentorship—building new foundations for a sober, purpose-driven life. They’re surrounded by people who believe in their future, even when they can’t yet see it for themselves. In this environment of structure, grace, and accountability, lives are being transformed every day. Men and women are breaking generational cycles, healing family relationships, and discovering God’s call for their lives. From Survival to Stability Once someone has found safety, healing, and sobriety, the next step is building a sustainable future. City Mission’s career training programs help residents take that step with confidence. Each resident works with staff to develop a personalized employment plan, whether that means pursuing training, earning a certification, or returning to the workforce after years away. In 2024 alone, 129 jobs were obtained by City Mission residents. Beyond job placement, the program builds self-esteem. It reminds people that they are not defined by their past, but by their potential. It equips them not just to survive—but to thrive. Meeting Needs Beyond the Mission Walls Not everyone who needs help can come into a shelter. That’s why City Mission extends its services beyond campus—meeting individuals and families in our community where they are. Through programs like the Samaritan Care Food Pantry and WeCare Street Outreach, City Mission provides food, hygiene items, medical care, and compassion to people experiencing hardship throughout Washington County. We also offer meals and clinic access to non-residents, ensuring that no one has to face crisis alone. This outreach reflects the heart of Christ’s ministry: going out to the hurting, the hungry, the unseen, and offering dignity and love. You Can Be Part of the Mission At City Mission, every service we offer is rooted in our faith. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of love, safety, and second chances. We also believe that real change happens when communities come together to lift one another up. That’s where you come in. Your support and donations makes it possible to meet physical needs, offer critical services, and share the hope of Christ with those in crisis. Whether you give, volunteer, or pray alongside us, your partnership helps transform lives. Give today to help us continue healing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Why Homelessness Feels Different for Women

Woman Sleeping At Shelter
October 7, 2025

You might not notice her, but she’s there. She’s parked at the edge of a grocery store lot, trying to get a few hours of sleep before sunrise. Her toddler is in the back seat, tucked under a blanket. Her phone is out of service, her gas tank nearly empty, and her heart races every time someone walks by. This is homelessness for many women. Women Often Hide Their Homelessness to Stay Safe Unlike the more visible side of homelessness, many women aren’t sleeping on park benches or living in crowded camps. They’re doing everything they can to stay invisible, because being seen can mean being in danger. Some stay with friends. Some live in cars. Others remain in relationships that are toxic or even abusive because it feels safer than facing the unknown. The fear of violence, judgment, or being separated from their children keeps many women silent. But silence doesn’t mean safety, and invisibility doesn’t mean everything is okay. Many Are Mothers Trying to Keep Life Together One of the most heartbreaking truths is that a large number of homeless women are also mothers. They’re not just trying to survive; they’re trying to protect their children from the emotional toll of instability. They pack lunches, walk their kids to school, and paste on smiles while silently wondering where they’ll sleep that night. We’ve seen this courage up close. At City Mission, we’ve met moms who held their families together through unimaginable circumstances. Women who put their children first in every decision, even as their own lives were unraveling. It’s hard to ask for help when your kids are watching. But we want every mother to know: asking for help is not weakness. It’s bravery. Homelessness Doesn’t Just Happen Overnight For most women, homelessness isn’t a sudden event, it’s the result of years spent trying to survive impossible circumstances. It may begin with childhood trauma, an untreated mental health issue, or the slow unraveling of life after addiction. Often, it’s a combination of many things that go unnoticed until the bottom falls out. At City Mission, we’ve seen women come through our doors straight from the hospital, with nowhere else to go. We’ve welcomed mothers who arrive carrying only a diaper bag, doing everything they can to hold on to hope. Jennifer was one of those women. She had made the brave decision to leave her old life behind, choosing sobriety and safety for herself and her newborn son. With nothing but determination and the will to change, she walked through the doors of City Mission ready to begin again. She built friendships with other moms who understood her journey. She leaned on staff members who reminded her that she was not alone. Slowly, the weight she carried began to lift. Today, Jennifer works as a Resident Assistant, offering the same compassion and encouragement she once received. The Need Has Grown, But So Has Our Vision We hear from women like Jennifer every day. But sadly, we don’t always have room. Nationally, from 2023-2024, homelessness among women increased 26%. And the need is growing not just across the country but in our own neighborhood as well. We get phone calls every day from women seeking shelter. These are real stores. Real women who are ready for a second chance but have nowhere to go tonight. They need more than a bed. They need privacy, dignity, safety, and care. You Can Help a Woman Find Safety and Hope Every woman who calls us asking for help is someone’s daughter, someone’s mother, someone’s friend. She’s worth helping. Worth saving. Worth restoring. With your support, we’re building Sally’s Sanctuary, a new Women’s Center right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It will provide 50 additional beds for homeless women and so much more. It will be a place of safety and healing, offering not just shelter but also meals, counseling, spiritual care, recovery services, and community. The building is very near completion. We are planning for women to move into the new space starting in mid-to-late October. This is where their new life begins, where they can heal and restore their confidence and their hope. Be Part of Her Story If you’ve ever wondered what you could do to make a difference, this is your moment. Your gift today can help us open our doors to every woman who needs one. You help provide someone with a warm bed, a hot meal, and an opportunity to completely transform their life. Please consider donating today.

Your Support Meets Needs & Transforms Lives

Your generous gifts provide life-changing carethat offers men, woman and children the chance for personal and spiritual wellness. Please help today!
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For where two or three are gathered in my name,there am I among them.    —  Matthew 18:20