Serving with Joy

At the Mission, we serve hundreds of meals every day. As you can imagine, this leads to piles of dirty pots and pans and other utensils, that our cooks and volunteers use for meal prep. It is not often that someone undertakes the mountain of dishes with a smile, but "Jack" is that unique someone. A guest staying at the Mission, he has stepped up to volunteer at the kitchen, and staff are so appreciative not only of his help but also for the joy he exhibits in serving. Jack has expressed his gratitude to be able to give back and says, "I just want to thank [the Mission] for allowing me to be a part of the solution..."

Having previous experience at the Mission in 2018, he is grateful for the fact that the Mission does not change. As he expresses it, "The staff never changes which makes things easy when you are going through these kinds of transitions." He describes the Mission as clean, respectful, safe, and compassionate with God's love. "The staff here are great men that have a great compassion and love for what they do, and I appreciate that."

What he appreciates most about the Mission is the opportunity to hear the Word. "The Mission gives the Word on the daily. Personally, I need to hear the Word or some form of the Word, just to assure myself that the Heavenly Father's words would be heard and I comply."

He is so grateful for you and your gifts. "Thank you for what you do, did, and are going to do. Your support is greatly appreciated, so please don't ever think that it's not. Because you are a big part of saving lives in this community, and I thank you and love you."

As you can see in the rescue news, your gifts in 2024 helped provide food, shelter, and hope to over 2,500 men, women, and children. The Mission has served our community over 100 years through the compassion of our community, and we are excited at the opportunity to continue that service into 2025 and beyond.

You will also find an update on the state of homelessness in our nation in the “Message from Mark” and an update on our expansion project. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. You are an essential part of all we do to care for so many individuals, like Jack, through uncertain times.

Meeting the Need

“I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:23

A recent news release from the US Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) has reported that homelessness in the United States has increased by nearly 20% from 2023 to 2024. Those results are approximately double our annual average over the past 25 year period. Historically, the City Rescue Mission increases its capacity for sheltering and feeding individuals at approximately 9% each year! That’s an amazing statistic that we don’t regularly communicate. However, as a result of persistently “meeting the need,” God consistently enables the Mission to expand from year to year, to meet the increasing challenge that we witness in our community.

Although, the HUD report is a harsh reality, it is glorious that God is already preparing us to do more for the sake of the gospel. The Expansion Project is well underway, and we hope to finish Phase One by the end of July. For the past few years, we have been functioning slightly beyond our capacity, and Phase One will provide relief from some of the pressure for single adult men. After Phase One is completed, we can begin our focus and fundraising efforts on Phase Two, which will include more space for men and create a new space for single adult women. Once the project is fully completed, this new facility will double our capacity to serve homeless adults in our community.

Thank you for seeing the need and helping us help meet the current and future needs. With an increase in chronically homeless individuals, an aging population, and limited housing options, we see this trend continuing in the near future. We believe that our project will be right on time. We become all things to all people in order that we may win a few (1 Corinthians 9:22). What a blessing to witness how God provides through rescuers like you. Thank you for being a rescuer.

To God Be the Glory,
Mark Criss
Executive Director

Mission Expansion Project: Update

The new addition, part of Phase One, continues with a few slight interruptions. Heavy rains in early January revealed a plugged roof drain in 415, but otherwise construction proceeds on schedule. Phase Two plans are nearing completion, and we hope to have good news regarding a timeline and expected costs very soon. Please continue to pray for this project. Things are continuing well but we do still have a sizable construction loan on the project. We also have plans to decommission “the old lighthouse” at Michigan Avenue in the summer and hope you will join us for that ceremony.

Urgent Staffing Needs

The Mission has been operating beyond capacity for the past few years, and we are growing! To help meet the increasing need in our community, we are seeking like-minded individuals with a heart to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Due to the services we provide, our positions are mainly evenings and weekends, though we do have some daytime/nighttime positions available at our thrift store. There are full time opportunities, as well as part time positions for those who might consider this as a secondary job, taking only a shift or two a week.

2nd and 3rd Shift Shelter Supervisors (Full Time or Part Time)

Food Service Coordinators for Meal Service (Part Time)

Thrift Store Customer Service Manager (Full Time)

Thrift Store Production Manager (Full Time)

Driver (Part Time)

...and more!

Visit BEaRESCUER.org/employment.html for more information or call 517.485.0145.

A Mission to Connect

Did you know that many volunteers have made the leap to become staff members through the years? A perfect example is our very own executive director, Mark, who began his journey with us as a dedicated volunteer. But he is far from the only one. Our volunteers continue to step up and make a difference in our community.

Like Mark, Camille and her family have invested time into the Mission, serving as rescuers both on staff and through volunteering. Camille recounts a moment when a guest asked her if she enjoyed working at the Mission. “I told her I do and was able to tell her why. That the City Rescue Mission is here to help people get back on their feet. But most importantly, to share the gospel, the good news from God. I was also able to tell her how my family has been a part of helping the Mission serve people for over 30 years.” We would like to thank Camille and so many others who have selflessly served through the years to help provide food, shelter, and hope since 1911.

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community's rescuers, who collectively empower us to make a meaningful, Christlike difference in Lansing. It truly is a collaborative effort to drive our mission forward, and we invite you to be a part of it. If you are passionate about serving others, we encourage you to explore volunteer or employment opportunities with Team Rescue at BEaRESCUER.org/volunteer.html.. Together, we can continue to create a lasting impact.