For more than a century, the City Mission has provided help and hope to Clevelanders who are hurting and experiencing homelessness.

Their work begins with meeting basic human needs of food, shelter and clothing. I spoke with the City Mission’s marketing and communications director, Rachel Pelaia, as Signal Cleveland continues to highlight ways the community can give back during this holiday season and beyond.

Christmas fair coming up

On Dec. 15,  City Mission, located at East 55th street and Carnegie avenue on the border of the Central and MidTown neighborhoods, will host its annual Christmas Fair to celebrate the families who are currently staying at Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center. Laura’s Home offers temporary housing for women and their children along with wraparound services such as on-site after-school programming.  

“During the week of the fair, we’ll receive gift donations, organize them into a little shopping area, and moms will get to shop for gifts for their kids.” Pelaia said. “Then at the actual event, we’ll have volunteers wrapping the gifts while our families are enjoying cookie decorating, Christmas karaoke, pictures with Santa, and other fun activities.”

Donations for women and children may be dropped off between 4 and 6 p.m. Dec. 12-13 at 18120 Puritas Ave. 

While the Christmas Fair will focus on women, City Mission is also collecting donations for men. 

Those donations can be dropped off Dec. 19 at the main warehouse, at 5310 Carnegie Ave. Those donations will be delivered to men who are currently staying at Crossroads, the City Mission’s crisis housing. 

“While there are some ways people can help at the event. There is also a big need for Christmas gift donations for our residents,” said Pelaia. “It’s our hope that this event brings a little bit of joy to those staying with us as they navigate their specific crisis situation.”

Year-round assistance needed

City Mission has daily needs they are looking to meet as well. The organization always needs volunteers to assist in various ways. 

“Our volunteers play a vital role in the work we do. Whether it’s a service project or as a mentor to our children, or helping paint a room, there are many opportunities to get involved that make a huge difference,” Pelaia said.

“Donations are critical, especially as we enter the winter months and many people need warm, safe shelter,” she said. Just $2.70 will feed a resident in crisis, she added.

Material donations are also welcomed throughout the year, she said, noting that basic hygiene items, clothing and toiletries can be a huge gift to many who come to City Mission with nothing.

The shelter provided a list of most-needed items for the holidays. Click on the flyer below for details.