The Costs of Homelessness

homeless man asking for help

Seven Ways Everyone is Impacted

Homelessness is a challenge that goes far beyond those who lack a place to call home. After seeing a gradual decline for over a decade, 2022 marked a 12% increase in homeless individuals across the United States.  In 2023, while homelessness in Pennsylvania actually decreased slightly, the crisis across the country experienced another uptick, reaching record high numbers.  According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, 2024 is trending toward the highest number of homeless since the government started tracking homelessness data in 2007.  All of this applies great pressure on local communities and families and prompts many to reconsider how they view this issue. As we approach 2025, homelessness remains a growing concern, and the need for compassionate, proactive solutions is more urgent than ever.

Let’s take a closer look at seven ways homelessness deeply impacts society as a whole and how City Mission is working to restore our local community. These costs to the community aren’t just financial—they affect our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, reminding us that we are all connected in our need for care and support.

1. Homelessness Takes a Toll on Physical Health

When we think of homelessness, physical health often comes to mind first. Without consistent access to food, water, and shelter, individuals experience hunger, thirst, and exposure to harsh elements. Over time, this can lead to severe illness, injury, or worse. Homeless individuals are also at greater risk of assault, substance abuse, and untreated mental health issues, which further complicate their physical condition. Their vulnerability is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of caring for one another.

That is why our medical clinic provides initial medical assessments for every resident, connects them to medical insurance providers, and offers them a Primary Care Physician option on campus through our partnership with Centerville Clinics.  We also offer transportation to medical appointments and support with medication regimens.    

2. Mental Health Struggles Are Exacerbated

Mental health is a significant concern for those experiencing homelessness. Studies show that the homeless population faces twice the rate of mental illness compared to the general public. Without a stable home, individuals may grapple with feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and despair. When untreated, these emotions can spiral into chronic depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or even suicide. These mental health struggles don’t just affect individuals—they ripple out in many ways, impacting the mental wellness of the broader community.

At City Mission, each of our residents has a case manager who offers love, compassion, and grace, and also helps them to identify the barriers that led them to homelessness while connecting them to resources that assist them in navigating their way through those barriers toward peace, independence, and fulfillment.

3. Economic Challenges Trap Individuals in Homelessness

Each person experiencing homelessness has a unique story of how they arrived at this difficult point. For many, financial instability plays a large role. Whether due to sudden job loss or a family crisis, these situations often escalate when housing costs become unmanageable. Without a stable address or proof of income, finding a job or securing a place to live becomes an uphill battle, creating a cycle that can be incredibly difficult, even impossible without support, to break.

Our Career Training and Education Center helps our residents obtain identification documents.  We offer career assessments, work readiness programming, job-related certifications, as well as resume-building and job-search assistance.  All in an effort to help them find meaningful careers and leave behind the financial struggles that may have contributed to their descent into homelessness. Ultimately, the outcome of this support is to create strong, courageous, and capable individuals who can give back to society in any number of ways.

4. Social Isolation Deepens the Hardship

The emotional and social consequences of homelessness run deep. Families are often torn apart, leaving children to grow up without a stable home environment.  Many of these children will face lifelong emotional scars from their experiences with abuse, food insecurity, foster care, extreme stress, and inconsistent education. Many homeless individuals, despite being harmless, are stigmatized as dangerous or undesirable by the general public, further alienating them from society. Laws that criminalize homelessness—by pushing people out of public spaces or forcing them to move on to other towns rather than offering help—only add to the emotional burden, making it even harder for those suffering to find their way back.

At City Mission, we surround every one of our residents with love and compassion.  They learn to build new relationships and re-establish broken relationships with friends and family.  We also help them establish or rediscover a life-changing relationship with Christ and find a church community that can surround them with Christ’s love while creating an ongoing social and support network.

5. Strain on the Healthcare System

Without regular access to preventative healthcare, homeless individuals often rely on costly emergency services to address chronic conditions, injuries, or mental health crises. Emergency rooms are not equipped to handle the long-term care these individuals require, leading to recurring visits that strain the healthcare system. This overuse of emergency services raises costs for everyone and diverts resources from others who may need urgent care.

This is why our Medical Clinic is such a crucial aspect of our residents’ recovery.  We educate our homeless residents about their options so that their experiences with the medical system are less overwhelming, and they are empowered to take charge of their own physical health.  

6. Impact on Public Safety and Legal Systems

In some cases, homelessness can unfortunately lead to criminal activity, not out of malice, but out of desperation to survive. Petty theft, drug-related offenses, or minor altercations may occur when individuals are struggling to meet their most basic needs. This situation places added pressure on law enforcement, court systems, and public safety resources, which are already stretched thin.

By providing for the basic needs of our residents and showing them love and kindness, we give them the hope that they need to trust they can have a bright future.  We also help connect them to resources that will assist them to navigate any past legal issues so that they don’t feel trapped by their past mistakes.

7. The Economic Impact on Communities

The ripple effects of homelessness extend throughout entire communities. Homelessness can negatively affect property values, local businesses, schools, and the economy as a whole. Beyond the visible strain on public services like law enforcement and healthcare, homelessness also impacts tourism, the local job market, and the overall well-being of neighborhoods. The costs to society are significant, but they are preventable when we work together toward solutions.

Successful City Mission residents graduate our program with stable housing, meaningful work, sustainable incomes, and a thriving spiritual life.  They go on to become business owners or employees at local businesses.  They attend local churches.  They continue their education.  They attend local recovery meetings and become mentors for those struggling with addiction.  They lead Bible studies.  They volunteer.  They pay taxes.  They build strong families who weave their way into the fabric of our local community.  They are helping to build Washington into a recovery town, a place of hope for those who are in despair.

Start Small to Make a Big Difference

The true cost of homelessness goes far beyond numbers; it touches the very heart of human dignity. This is a social challenge that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. Addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing support for those in need is not only a moral responsibility, but it’s also essential to building stronger communities.

As we reflect on this issue, let’s take inspiration from the compassion Christ showed to the hurting and the hungry. He saw beyond outward appearances and recognized the inherent worth of every person. In the same way, we are called to offer help, whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or simply acknowledging the humanity of those we pass by each day.

We don’t need to solve the problem alone—but we can each take small steps.

Please consider donating to City Mission today and help us make a difference in the lives of those seeking hope and a better future. Every donation, big or small, helps us fulfill this mission and bring light to those in need.

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October 31, 2024

Recent Articles

It Ends Here

City Mission Chapel
October 24, 2024

Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness month? Unfortunately, domestic violence is much more common than you might expect. The statistics are absolutely gut-wrenching. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million people in the United States suffer from abuse every year at the hands of an intimate partner. That means that every minute, 24 people experience intimate partner violence in the US. Astoundingly, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 41% of all the women in the US have experienced domestic violence at some point in their lifetime. It's absolutely heartbreaking. Many of our residents here at City Mission have experienced domestic violence. Many actually came to the Mission to escape violent relationships. “The recent statistics regarding the correlation between domestic violence and homelessness are staggering,” said City Mission’s Manager of Women’s Services, Lisa Rotello. “It was reported that 38% of domestic violence survivors become homeless at some point in their lives. More disturbing is that 90% of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives.” Here at City Mission, we’re intentionally developing partnerships with local resources to help our residents build strong and healthy relationships. Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA (DVSSP) is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to end domestic violence by empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities. They are finding new and creative ways to support men and women in the community who need their services. Allison Weakland, DVSSP’s Director of Mobile Advocacy and Empowerment, recently came to City Mission to teach a domestic violence class for our residents. The thoughtfully-prepared and engaging class met once a week for six weeks. The class averaged between 15-20 women. The six sessions covered the following topics: 1. 5 Types of Abuse 2. Warning Signs 3. Barriers to Leaving 4. Tactics people use to Make you Stay in Abusive Relationships 5. What Healthy Relationships Look Like 6. Self-worth and Self-care “The staff and volunteers at DVSSP are truly the experts in the field,” said Leah Dietrich, City Mission’s Director of Residential Programs. “It’s powerful to see what they’re doing to stop the cycle of abuse. They are doing the “It Ends Here” work.” “Healthy relationships are so important for City Mission residents in their recovery,” she added. “So what DVSSP is doing for us is so crucial. We are very pleased with how everything is coming together.” DVSSP started 40 years ago with one person answering one phone. Today, they have two safe houses and serve residents in three counties. They are helping domestic violence survivors make the turn from surviving to thriving. “We try to give them the opportunity to live their best life now that they don’t have someone trying to pull them down,” said Weakland. Weakland and her Mobile Advocacy and Empowerment team provide free and confidential services to community members who have experienced domestic violence. They do awareness classes, one-on-one empowerment sessions, medical advocacy, and other services in person or virtually. They help create safety plans, gather financial resources, connect people with housing case management and trauma therapy, and help navigate through all the barriers holding people back from escaping abusive relationships or restoring their lives after experiencing abuse. DVSSP will return to City Mission regularly to conduct more 6-week classes as new residents enter our program. They are also conducting a class specifically for our male residents. The class provides an overview of domestic violence but also provides strategies for how men can get involved in preventing and ending domestic violence in their communities. “These classes,” said Rotello, “offer a direct application of tools, provide a support network, encourage the utilization of additional community services, and allow for a place of refuge and validation for people who are desperately in need of spiritual and emotional repair.” We believe that City Mission’s ongoing partnership with DVSSP will continue to produce life-change and will continue to uplift those who have survived abuse. “The classes provided by DVSSP have proven to be an integral part of our resident’s ability to build a foundation of safety, education, empowerment and resiliency,” explained Rotello. “With safety as a primary concern for our population, in general, we need to continue demonstrating the availability of compassion, support and acceptance, without discrimination, to those who experience this extremely damaging dynamic.” You can change a life. You can make a difference. Visit www.citymission.org/donate to learn how you can help the homeless and the hurting today.

Dr. Sally Mounts to Retire on September 30, 2024

Dr. Sally Mounts with Dean Gartland at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sally's Sanctuary
September 27, 2024

“Sally Mounts is tenacious in her determination to move the mission forward through her tireless efforts to find funding,” declared Leah Dietrich, City Mission’s Director of Residential Programs. “Her efforts and the work of her team have led to rejuvenating buildings, building new spaces and creating a place where those most in need can call home. She is a tireless advocate for our work and for our team.” With 11 years of dedicated service, Dr. Mounts is officially retiring as City Mission’s Chief Development Officer on September 30. She first started at the Mission as a contracted grants writer. President/CEO, Dean Gartland, quickly noticed her abundant talents and energy, and brought Sally on staff as Director of Development. “Hiring Sally was the best decision I ever made for the Mission,” said Gartland. “Sally was the driving force behind City Mission from a fundraising standpoint.” During Dr. Mounts’ tenure at City Mission, the Mission’s yearly budget grew from $2.5 million to $9 million as the Mission expanded from a 96-bed facility to a 174-bed facility with four distinct shelters, a medical clinic, and a career training and education center. Through it all, Dr. Mounts has been a tireless warrior for City Mission. “I know the Mission has been blessed by Sally’s service in Christ’s name, and I too have been blessed to learn from her vast knowledge and have a great foundation to continue the work for City Mission going forward,” said City Mission’s Director of Development, Trisha Schum. “She has been a mentor that I have learned so much from, and also a great example of how Christ works through people to do His Great Work.” Dr. Mounts, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army and a former Veterans’ Affairs Program Director with a PhD in Psychology from Yeshiva University, has proven to be an incredible asset to City Mission. Her energy, compassion, and leadership has inspired those around her. “Sally is a unique and caring person with a strong dedication and love for the Mission,” said Chris Rogers, City Mission’s Event Manager. “Her kindness and generosity show through in everything she does. I have learned so much from her.” “Working with Dr. Sally Mounts,” added Major Donor Officer, Shelby Lonce, “has been an extraordinary privilege. Her deep compassion, Christ-centered leadership, and relentless dedication to helping those in need have made a lasting impact on both City Mission and me personally. She is not only an exceptional professional but also a mentor and friend who inspires me daily with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.” Dr. Mounts’ hard work, enthusiasm, and devotion to the Mission has not gone unnoticed, and her legacy of faith and hard work will carry on. “Sally’s House,” the Mission’s new home for their women’s next-step program will bear her name moving forward as well as “Sally’s Sanctuary,” which will be the name of the Mission’s new 50-bed women’s shelter, which is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in July of 2025. Trisha Schum has been selected as Director of Development to carry on Dr. Mounts’ legacy. Schum was previously Director of Marketing and Communications at City Mission, and she brings to this position experience, including a vast marketing background in a variety of industries. She has managed such brands as Rubbermaid, Foodsaver, Ball canning jars, Glidden paint, and American Greetings over her career. Schum certainly has large shoes to fill, but she brings experience, determination, and a passion for the work of City Mission. Along with the Mission’s Development team, she will lead the charge to carry on the torch that Dr. Mounts has kept lit for over a decade.

City Mission's Former President/CEO Officially Retires

Dean Gartland at City Mission Chapel in 2023
September 27, 2024

City Mission President Emeritus, Dean Gartland, will officially retire on Monday, September 30. Gartland presided over City Mission as President/CEO for 13 years, before moving into the President Emeritus role in March of this year. “Dean has been a guiding light for the mission. His leadership, kind nature, and faith shine through every day,” said City Mission Event Manager, Chris Rogers. Under Gartland’s leadership, City Mission dramatically increased its footprint in Washington County and expanded its services for the homeless, increasing from 96 beds when he first took over to 174 beds today, with construction already underway for a new 50-bed women’s shelter to be completed in July of 2025. Gartland’s tenure at City Mission will be remembered for compassion, vision, and growth as well as his tireless efforts in the aftermath of the devastating fire that destroyed much of the City Mission campus in 2015. After the fire, Gartland supervised a $18 million capital campaign to restore and expand the Mission and with the construction of the new women’s shelter this year, his vision for what City Mission could be will soon become a reality. “Dean’s legacy will continue,” said Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich, “in the work of the staff with the residents and community members we serve on a beautiful campus that was his vision for our region. Although, Dean is ending his time at the Mission, we are sure he’ll continue to be an advocate for those in need even in his retirement.” Gartland’s legacy at City Mission will no doubt be carried forward by the devoted staff he helped to assemble and who he inspired daily with his humor, his challenging yet encouraging chapel devotionals, and his peaceful, genuine presence. “Dean Gartland has been an unwavering source of inspiration to countless people throughout his lifelong commitment to mission work,” said Major Donor Officer, Shelby Lonce. “His vision, leadership, and heart for service have been instrumental in shaping City Mission into the transformative organization it is today, touching the lives of hundreds daily. Dean’s compassion, kindness, and belief in the potential of every individual reflect his strong moral compass and deep faith.” Over decades of mission work at multiple organizations and facilities, Gartland worked his way up through every possible layer in every department. He knew mission work in his bones and was always eager to pass on his knowledge to the staff at City Mission. “Having the opportunity to work and learn under Dean’s guidance has been such a privilege, not only because of his steady leadership but also as a strong example of a follower of Christ,” explained Director of Development, Trisha Schum. “I wish him the best in this next chapter that is certainly well deserved for his service to Christ and the Mission.” Gartland’s contributions to the work of City Mission are countless, from expanding the Mission’s Thrift Stores, to developing a model for evaluating the effectiveness of our programs, and to building relationships with foundations and grantfunding institutions. His legacy of faith and compassion and his vision to restore the homeless to independence one life at a time will carry on through the ongoing work of City Mission.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds
September 13, 2024

Donor-Advised Funds are the fastest growing charitable vehicle in the United States, because they are one of the easiest and most tax advantageous ways to give to the charities you care about. A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is an investment account dedicated to your philanthropic causes, or a fund that serves as your own personal foundation. DAFs are managed by sponsoring organizations, which are themselves tax-exempt organizations. DAFs provide donors with long-term, strategic options for planning their philanthropy.Here’s how a DAF works:• A donor makes an irrevocable gift to a DAF and takes an immediate tax deduction. The charitable assets now legally belong to that DAF’s sponsoring organization. The donor (you), and other named individuals, become DAF advisors.• The DAF advisors (you) recommend how the assets are invested, and the assets continue to grow tax-free. You can donate ash, stocks, or non-publicly traded assets.• The DAF Advisors (you) also recommend grants to the non-profits they wish to support.• The sponsoring organization confirms that these non-profits are eligible, then issue grants to the recommended charities.All DAFs require a minimum balance to open the account, which can be as low as $5,000. Specific policies vary by sponsoring organizations---most donors weigh their options before deciding whether they want to enter a community foundation, a single-issue organization, or a national organization, such as Vanguard Charitable to sponsor their investments.

Roots of Recovery

One on One session with Resident
September 13, 2024

Please check out our new Podcast episode, “Addiction or Disease? Pt. 2,” which released this past week. In this episode, our President Emeritus, Dean Gartland, along with co-host Leah Dietrich, our Director of Residential Programs, discuss the roots of recovery. There are many different paths that can lead to homelessness. Every single person we serve has a unique story; however, nearly 85% of our residents struggle with some form of addiction. One crucial step that we at City Mission take alongside those we serve is helping them to identify all of the factors that led them down the road to addiction so that they can move forward in their recovery with confidence. “You have to discover the origins of the problem first,” said Dietrich. “Then you can create a strategy for doing things differently and making different choices.” Gartland explained that the cycle of addiction almost always starts with some kind of pain or trauma, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or any other type of pain. “To make the pain go away,” said Gartland, “they will reach out for an addictive agent. It might be work or food or sex or drugs or alcohol or dependent relationships. These addictive agents can make you feel a little bit better for a moment, but they usually end up producing negative consequences, which leads to shame and guilt, which results in more pain and low self-esteem, which leads right back to reaching out for that addictive agent again. And the cycle just goes on and on and on.” Most of the residents we serve at City Mission are in the process of understanding how to get off of that cycle. Many of them have lost absolutely everything in their lives that they love through their addiction. They’ve lost all hope and motivation, they’ve lost their homes, jobs, clothes, relationships, and even identification forms like birth certificates and drivers licenses. “These are things they wouldn’t normally leave behind,” explained Dietrich. “But holding onto things is no longer their focus. They are in survival mode.” Their addictions have left them in such a state that they struggle from desperate moment to desperate moment, forced over and over again to make impossible decisions, which can lead them to more shame and guilt and right back into their addiction to help them mask their pain. At City Mission, we help those who are trapped in addiction to find glimmers of hope and to build structures in their lives to make recovery sustainable. “We help them to build relationships that can help guide them out of that cycle of addiction,” Dietrich explained. “Those might be physical relationships with friends and mentors who encourage and uplift them or it could be a spiritual relationship with Christ, whose love can truly transform lives. Introducing them to Christ can often be the turning point in their lives.” But life transformation doesn’t happen overnight. “It can take years and years for someone’s life to fall into addiction and homelessness,” Dietrich said. “So it takes time to pull things back together. That can be overwhelming. You don’t know where to start. You don’t know what to say. You might need someone to hold your hand and walk through those situations with you at first.” And that’s exactly where City Mission comes in. We provide love and support and acceptance during the most difficult and vulnerable times in someone’s life – reflecting the love and mercy that Christ has shown to each and every one of us in our darkest moments when we cry out to Him. You can help change lives by partnering with us to reach out to those who are hurting and have lost all hope. Visit www.citymission.org for more information about how you can help.

Extending Hope

Jason Johnson with Residents
August 29, 2024

Our outreach programs are designed to provide immediate assistance and long-term support, reflecting our commitment to uplift our community members. What is Community Outreach? The focus of community outreach is to connect with the broader community and provide support to as many people and in as many ways as possible. These initiatives aim to extend the reach of our services, bringing aid, education, and support directly to those who need it most. Community outreach helps us build a network of support for those in need and to connect them with services and resources they need to maintain their independence and avoid falling into homelessness or addiction. City Mission’s Community Outreach Services Meals Every day, we provide nutritious meals to anyone experiencing hardship in the region. This foundational support addresses immediate needs that often prevent individuals from overcoming personal crises. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a person must have confidence that their basic needs will be met before they can begin to work on higher order tasks like finding employment or rebuilding relationships. Ensuring that basic needs are met lays the groundwork for individuals to focus on recovery and stability. Samaritan Care Food Pantry Center Located at 84 W. Wheeling Street, our Samaritan Care Food Pantry Center is a vital resource for low-income individuals and families. Here, food assistance is provided once a week per family, allowing them to shop with a volunteer in a dignified manner. The center operates every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, ensuring families have regular access to essential food items, clothing, and hygiene products. For more information, community members can contact the center at (724) 222-8530 ext. 266. WeCare Street Outreach Program Led by Dr. Monica Speicher and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, our WeCare Street Outreach Program provides medical care to the unsheltered homeless in the community. Services include chronic disease management, care for acute bacterial and viral illnesses, flu shots, diabetes care, education, and more. Additionally, supplies such as food, clean socks, blankets, and clothing are distributed, along with medications for the uninsured and underinsured. This program exemplifies our commitment to comprehensive care, addressing the homeless's physical and emotional needs. The Importance of Community Outreach Community outreach is crucial for several reasons: • Raising Awareness: Through outreach, we help community members connect to services and resources that they would otherwise never knew existed. Service providers like Gateway Health, Dress for Success, Blueprints, and Washington County Human Services among others often come to our campus during our Samaritan Care hours to connect with those who use our services and help them understand the options that are available to them. • Reaching the Unreachable: Outreach programs are crucial for reaching individuals who might not seek help due to barriers like stigma, lack of awareness, or logistical challenges. By taking services to them, we ensure that assistance reaches those most reluctant or unable to come forward. • Building Community Ties: Outreach strengthens community ties and builds networks of support that can lead to innovative solutions for complex social issues. By involving local businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, and citizens in our efforts, we create a collaborative environment that promotes shared responsibility for community welfare. This collective approach enhances the effectiveness of individual programs and contributes to a healthier, more resilient community. Biblical Foundations of Outreach Our outreach philosophy at City Mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christianity, reflecting the call to serve and uplift the most vulnerable in our society. The Bible encourages believers to act as stewards of compassion and love, emphasizing the importance of helping those in need. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus teaches, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." These verses highlight the Christian duty to care for the less fortunate, viewing such acts of kindness as service to Christ Himself. Support Our Outreach The success of City Mission's outreach programs relies on the generous support of the community. Here's how you can make a difference: • Volunteer: Your time and skills are invaluable. Join us in our dining hall, medical clinic, or at the Samaritan Care Food Pantry to offer direct assistance to those in need. • Donate: Contributions of food, clothing, hygiene products, and financial donations are crucial to sustaining our programs. Every donation, big or small, helps us continue our mission. • Participate: Engage with City Mission by attending community events and fundraisers. Your participation supports our efforts and helps raise awareness about the issues we address. City Mission's outreach programs are vital to the Washington community, providing essential services that meet immediate needs and foster long-term stability and health.

Contact Us
(724) 222-8530
84 W. Wheeling Street
Washington, PA 15301
City Mission is a 501(C)(3) Nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 25-1051749
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