Rome Rescue Mission filling up fast

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By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: Nov 19, 2009 at 11:58 AM EST

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009 at 1:03 PM EST

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Rome Rescue Mission has seen a lot more activity in recent months, and with the holidays right around the corner, that activity is expected to grow even more.

Executive Director Matt Miller said his agency is at capacity, and has been filled for the last three months.

The agency offers a myriad of services, but often times they are for people with a history of drug addiction or criminal pasts. However, currently there are more recently unemployed folks and "working-poor," than in recent memory, Miller said.

While the numbers of clients are up, Miller said that efforts to get people out of the shelter and on to better lives have lately been successful.

"There is 26 different people that have found and secured employment in this economy," he said. "There are a few jobs out there. It is difficult."

Miller said the Rome Rescue Mission does not turn people away despite its cramped conditions. If space cannot be found at least temporarily, some are transported to Utica's Rescue Mission or the one in Syracuse.

Utica Rescue Mission Executive Director Bill Dodge said his agency is quite full, but also said it's not uncommon to operate at or near capacity.

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