Summary
Organization name
American Rescue Workers
Tax id (EIN)
23-1714132
Address
643 Elmira StreetWilliamsport, PA 17701
About
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Who We Are
Since 1934, American Rescue Workers (ARW) has served as a steady presence in Central Pennsylvania for neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, and hardship. What began more than ninety years ago as a straightforward mission — feed the hungry and shelter the homeless — continues today with expanded reach, stronger infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to dignity.
Each year, ARW provides safe shelter to more than 700 men, women, and children across our three shelter programs. That translates to more than 24,000 bed nights annually and over 76,000 meals served to individuals who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. Through our Bridge Street Client Choice Food Pantry — the largest by volume in Lycoming County — we now serve approximately 1,200 families every month with three-day emergency food supplies, a 60% increase over pre-pandemic demand.
Beyond food and shelter, ARW works to prevent homelessness before it begins. More than $200,000 annually is distributed for rent and utility assistance to stabilize households in crisis. Every dollar is stewarded carefully, with income verification and accountability measures in place to ensure responsible disbursement and maximum impact.
ARW also operates as one of the region’s largest social enterprises. Our nine thrift store locations across five counties are powered by donated goods that are resold and recycled to fund our mission. Those stores do more than generate revenue — they provide employment and work-therapy opportunities for men rebuilding their lives through our Fresh Start Program. Product donated by the community fuels both job training and essential operating support for shelters and food services.
Grants and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations further strengthen our ability to respond to rising need. As costs climb and families feel increasing pressure, ARW remains rooted in its historic mission while building practical solutions for today — including expanded pantry services and the launch of our Mobile Food Pantry to reach underserved communities.
For ninety years, this work has been local, personal, and faith-driven. During Raise the Region, your support helps ensure that food is stocked, shelter beds remain open, and families stay safely housed — today and into the future.
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Mission
Motivated by the love of God and a practical concern for the needs of humanity, American Rescue Workers mission is to address the needs of men, women and children experiencing emergency situations of hunger and homelessness; uplifting community members through the provision of material needs as well as spiritual guidance with the hope of bringing them into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Matthew 25:35-40
VISION
A community where no one goes hungry; men, women and children have safe and sufficient housing and those with significant barriers to self-sufficiency are provided opportunities to find new purpose and hope within presently, as well as eternally. II Corinthians 5:17; John 14:3; John 3:16
VALUES
We listen with compassion, empathy and respect and value individual experiences and feelings while treating all people with kindness and dignity.
We strive for equity and work toward solutions to eliminate structural and systemic inequalities that contribute to food insecurity and unhoused individuals.
We offer a sense of hope that can lead to swift and focused purpose, creative approaches and new models in achieving our mission.
We collaborate and build community through partnerships found on integrity, trust and shared goals.
We take care of and are accountable for all resources placed in our hands through the generosity of others striving for excellency and transparency in the handling of tangible goods, food, financial matters and funds, community and member trust, employee careers and their well-being.
We look out for one another as leaders and colleagues and respect each’s experiences and roles in repurposing lives.
We aspire to set an example of honesty and integrity in all our professional and personal relationships so that the American Rescue Workers is seen as an ambassador for the higher calling of service for Jesus Christ.
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Organization Data
Williamsport, PA 17701