STEUBENVILLE — Connecting with the community is key for Urban Mission Ministries. This was the focus of recent open house sessions aimed at showcasing their work.
Rev. Kimberly Arbaugh, the executive director since 2024, emphasized the importance of transparency. “These events let people see what we do and ask questions. We want the community to know we’re still here and thriving,” she shared.
Recently, the Urban Mission shifted gears. Last fall, they closed emergency shelters to focus more on providing healthy food. “We launched the Back to Basics Campaign to reconnect with our core values,” Arbaugh explained. This initiative invites locals to learn about available services and how to support them through donations or volunteer work.
The Urban Mission has deep roots, dating back to 1959 when it began as the Mill Men’s Hostel. Initially, it provided hot meals and care for steelworkers. Now, it has transformed into one of the largest food pantries in the area, serving Jefferson, Harrison, Carroll, Belmont, Brooke, and Hancock counties.
Today, they assist about 3,000 families every month. In fact, over the past 18 months, pantry visits have surged considerably. “We work hard to offer a variety of healthy foods, not just anything off the shelf,” Arbaugh noted.
Fresh produce comes every Wednesday from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Ohio’s largest food bank. “Being able to provide fresh food at no cost is a tremendous blessing for our community,” she added. All pantry items are weighed to track the amount of food distributed, demonstrating their commitment to efficiency.
The Urban Mission also collaborates with local grocers like Kroger and Aldi for daily pickups, ensuring a steady supply of fresh bread and baked goods.
Besides the pantry, the mission runs a Unity Kitchen, offering hot meals and a space for fellowship on multiple days each week. Mission Rejoice, held every Saturday, combines worship with food, creating a warm community environment.
The Urban Thrift and Opportunity Center is another crucial service. “It’s one of the largest thrift stores around,” Arbaugh said, adding that all proceeds go back to the mission. The store provides not only household goods and clothing but also a place for Bible classes and community gatherings.
Volunteers play a vital role in keeping these services running. There’s always a call for more helping hands. The recent open house sessions attracted both public officials and community members, highlighting the mission’s ongoing evolution in meeting local needs. Arbaugh concluded, “We’ve adapted and grown since 1959. It’s essential to evaluate how we can best serve as our community changes.”
Research shows that food insecurity is rising in many parts of the U.S. Today, nearly 35 million people, including 10 million children, are facing hunger in America. This trend makes the work of organizations like Urban Mission even more critical.
For more details on their services, call (740) 282-8010 or visit their website.
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Local News,Urban Mission builds community through food and fellowshipNews,Urban Mission builds community through food and fellowship
