Gospel Rescue Mission calls community together to serve

The Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission is dedicated to caring for the homeless, poor and addicted in Niagara Falls, and to being a place where the community can come together to serve those in need. Last week, more than 400 supporters gathered for the agency's second annual "Banquet of Praise" fundraiser to rally together to prepare for the busiest time of the year - the holiday season.

Once again, the NGRM will conduct its "Feed the Falls" Thanksgiving meal delivery program, available to anyone in the community who is in need of a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, hundreds of volunteers prepared and delivered more than 1,500 meals.

Jason Myers, one of the coordinators of the program, noted, "This has become a new tradition for many of our volunteers. This will be our fifth year doing the 'Feed the Falls' event and we see lots of volunteers coming back year after year. Many families come and serve together. It is a beautiful thing."

The NGRM acquired the former YMCA building on Portage Road last summer and will begin taking applications for its single-room occupancy program beginning in November. Throughout the past four months, numerous volunteers from local churches and organizations have helped to clean, paint and renovate the top two floors of 56 single-room units. The goal of the SRO program is to provide affordable and safe housing in a structured, Christian environment. Classes, programs and events offered by the NGRM will be made available to program residents.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering or donating food or financial support can email [email protected] or visit www.niagaramissions.com for more information.