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(ALLENTOWN, PA) \u2013 Many homeless dads will spend this Father\u2019s Day separated from their children, working hard to get back on their feet and reunite with their families. Although we don\u2019t often think of homeless men as fathers, 15 percent of the 2.5 million homeless children in the United States come from single-father households, according to Invisible People, a nonprofit organization focused on raising homelessness awareness.<\/p>\n
Many of the homeless dads at the Allentown Rescue Mission are separated from their children for various reasons, including addiction, poor choices, and mental health issues. Most are battling some form of life-altering trauma and are committed to rebuilding their independence, regaining self-esteem, and renewing relationships with their loved ones. While many clients feel they have burned all their bridges, it\u2019s a joy when they are able to reconcile with family members, especially their children.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy helping families now \u2013 by enabling fathers to return home and provide their children with guidance they probably never had themselves – we can begin to break the cycle of generational poverty and change the pattern of despair and hopelessness in our city,\u201d stated Stuart Smith, CEO of the Allentown Rescue Mission.<\/p>\n
Bill, a guest at the Allentown Rescue Mission, has maintained a relationship with his children but will not be able to spend Father\u2019s Day with them because of COVID-19 restrictions and financial restraints. \u201cI wish with all my heart that I could be with my kids,\u201d Bill responded when asked about being separated from his children. \u201cThe Allentown Rescue Mission has helped me on so many levels, especially with my anger. I will be a better person when I do see them.\u201d<\/p>\n
To learn more about how you can support homeless fathers in our shelter or to make a gift toward our programs that bring hope and healing, visit allentownrescuemission.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team<\/p>\n that\u2019s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team pays the men above PA state minimum wage\u2013 helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.<\/p>\n To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" (ALLENTOWN, PA) \u2013 Many homeless dads will spend this Father\u2019s Day separated from their children, working hard to get back on their feet and reunite with their families. Although … Continue reading Restoring Dads to their Children This Father\u2019s Day at the Allentown Rescue Mission<\/span>
\nInformation provided to TVL by:
\nStefanie Appel
\nCommunity Relations
\nAllentown Rescue Mission
\nwww.allentownrescuemission.org<\/a>
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