Hope Rising is always a special night for friends of Pathway. There’s amazing food (this year we had 20 different vendors and restaurants representing the best of Peoria) and incredible stories of God at work.
But the night is also full of updates, announcements and encouragement. Here are 5 things you might have missed.
Homelessness has more than doubled in Central Illinois.
Ongoing fallouts of the Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in substance abuse and mental health disorders continue to push men and women into homelessness. In Central Illinois, we have seen the number of people living in homelessness more than double since 2021.
This past summer, the Supreme Court also ruled that cities can enforce public camping bans. Communities across Central Illinois continue to discuss if and when camping bans should be enforced.
Pathway Ministries Serves the Community from 9 Different Locations
Pathway Ministries continues to be uniquely positioned to address poverty in a holistic sense. From crisis shelters to licensed counselors to support for young families, each of our nine locations serves a purpose in addressing homelessness and poverty.
Join Micah as he takes you on tour of all the facilities here (4:21)
Disruptive Generosity Can Change Everything
Tucked into the early chapters of Mark, we find a story of four friends doing the unexpected to get someone to Jesus. They tore off a roof. But it was the disruptive generosity of Jesus that would forever change the paralyzed man’s life. Your support is what helps get people to Jesus. It’s Jesus who changes lives forever.
See how long-term programs have made a difference in students lives here (5:11)
Serving Those In Encampments
After 70 years as a “come to us” ministry, we’ve partnered with local churches to “go to them” with a street outreach ministry. The goal is relationships – we want to know your name and we want you to know ours.
Will You Tear Off the Roof?
The program concluded with graduates, alongside their mentor and Pathway staff, tearing down the thing that kept them from Jesus. (See that incredible moment here). Pathway Ministries continues to be funded solely by individuals, churches, and businesses. We take no federal or state money. As we stretch to meet the growing need, we shared the goal of raising an additional $300,000 dollars. Thanks to generous sponsors for Hope Rising, every dollar donated will go directly to ministry work.
