Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission (SBRM),^[1] founded in 1878, is the third oldest running rescue mission in the United States. As the largest emergency homeless shelter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it provides housing for hundreds of people each night.^[2] Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided for approximately 600 people on every day of the year.^[3] Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission is part of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions.^[4]

Founding

The Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission was founded in 1878 to provide breakfast and Christian influence on Sunday mornings before church. This organization began with the support of businessmen, such as John Wanamaker of Wanamaker’s Department Store, John B. Stetson of Stetson Hats, William M. Shoemaker, W. Atlee Burpee of Burpee Seeds, and former Governor James Pollock.^[5]

Programs

Emergency Shelter

Every night, Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission houses 180 men in a large emergency shelter. Men can reserve a bed for up to thirty days at which point they are encouraged to join the Overcomer Program. During the winter months, if there are more than 180 men wishing to sleep at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission then overflow cots will be provided for anything who wishes to stay the night.^[6]

Overcomer Program

Men are encouraged to join the year-long Overcomer Program which concentrates on addiction recovery, discipleship, GED classes, community building, resume writing, and life skills training. All graduates have a full-time job and have begun to live life independently.^[7]

Back on My Feet

Back on My Feet started at 5 A.M. in late June 2007 at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. Every morning, founder and avid runner Anne Mahlum ran with a group of nine homeless individuals ages 28–57, who were hoping to move their lives forward both physically and spiritually through running.^[8]

Grow Food Where You Live

Fresh fruits and vegetables are grown in an on-site urban garden called the Sunday Breakfast Farm. The Farm promotes a healthier and cost efficient lifestyle through a class and apprenticeship. The project was a collaboration with the Asian Arts Initiative.^[9]

All Night Safe Haven Initiative

During the winter, Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission is open 24/7 so as to keep members of the homeless population out of the life-threatening cold.^[10]

References

1. "Sunday Breakfast". Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
2. "Philadelphia Homeless Shelters & Services For The Needy". Homeless Shelter Directory. Homeless Shelter Directory. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
3. Gregg, Cherri (11/1/14). "Community Affairs Reporter". CBS Philly. KYW Newsradio 1060. Retrieved 3 June 2015. Check date values in: |date= (help)
4. "AGRM". Association of Gospel Missions. Association Catalyst. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
5. Cnaan, Ram A.; Wineburg, Robert J.; Boddie, Stephanie C. (1999). The Newer Deal: Social Work and Religion in Partnership (First ed.). New York: Columbia University Press. p. 265. ISBN 9780231116244. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
6. Gregg, Cherri (12 January 2015). "Center City Shelter, Already Overflowing, Offers Overnight Seating to Homeless". CBS Philly. CBS Philly. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
7. Pepsin, Ariane (21 October 2014). "Chinatown/Loft District: Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission Provides Stability for Homeless". Temple University’s Multimedia Urban Reporting Lab. Philadelphia Neighborhoods. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
8. USA Today. "Running program gets homeless residents on track emotionally, physically" http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-07-21-homelessrunners_N.htm
9. Ng, Meei-Ling. "Grow Food Where You Live". MLing Studio. Art by Meei-Ling. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
10. Gregg, Cherri (12 January 2015). "Center City Shelter, Already Overflowing, Offers Overnight Seating to Homeless". CBS Philly. CBS Philly. Retrieved 16 July 2015.

Coordinates: 39°57′30″N 75°09′37″W / 39.9582°N 75.1603°W