Jun 22, 2015 3 min read

Last week, Washington School District pledged its support to City Mission after a fire destroyed the main building at 84 W. Wheeling St.

This week, they are making good on that vow by allowing 47 men who were displaced to use the high school cafeteria as a temporary shelter.

“The school is always open to assist the community in any way possible,” said Dr. Roberta DiLorenzo, district superintendent.

In the early morning of June 9, the mission caught fire, destroying the kitchen and dining room and causing damage to three men’s dormitories, the medical clinic and attic.

The men were moved to the mission’s Samaritan Care Center, the former Anderson Glass building on West Strawberry Avenue. Last week, Dean Gartland, president and chief executive officer, said they would be moved to a mission-owned building on West Wheeling Street, but the school ultimately was deemed the best choice.

“We looked at several different options. This one proved to be the most practical,” said Dr. Sally Mounts, director of development, of the school district’s offer of assistance. “We are so grateful to Wash High for opening their doors to us. It’s just another example of how the city has supported us in the after-effects of the fire.”

DiLorenzo said the men will come to the school about 8:30 p.m. to sleep and will leave around 7 a.m. She said the cafeteria is ideal because it is large enough, has nearby restroom and shower facilities, and is secure from the rest of the building. She said she expects the men to use the cafeteria for six to eight weeks.

Eventually, mission leaders want to lease land on which temporary mobile housing units will be placed. It is expected to take six to nine months for the mission building to be habitable.

Mounts said the mission is continuing to provide regular services, such as counseling sessions and classes. It also is serving about 300 meals a day, using the Bible Chapel’s nearby facilities at 34 W. Wheeling St.

Because the mission serves about 92,000 meals a year, donations of prepared foods is the most pressing need. Individuals and groups who want to set up delivery of a prepared meal can call 724-222-8530, ext. 221.

“We are so touched and so grateful for what the community has done,” said Mounts. In addition to numerous individual and group donations, the Wash High band and football team collected $3,200 for the mission Wednesday.

To make a donation to City Mission, visit www.citymission.org or mail checks to 382 W. Chestnut St., Suite 108, Washington, PA 15301.