BY CHRISTINA DOKAIn addition to a one-year residential program, the New York City Rescue Mission on Lafayette and White Sts. in Manhattan serves 400 free meals a day to the needy.
Roberto,who has cerebral palsy, grew up around staggering alcoholics and drug addicts because he felt that his own limp and speech impediment would blend in. He says that he suffered so much physical abuse in foster homes that he preferred sleeping on the streets.
But Roberto, now 41, has a new outlook. He recently graduated from the New York City Rescue Mission's one-year Residential Program, which gives 20 homeless men a chance to live there, study the Bible and turn their lives around.
These days, he says, "caring for others is my main option."
People like Roberto have found refuge at the faith-based mission since the three-story outpost opened at Lafayette and White Sts. in 1982.
Besides the Residential Program, the mission takes in nearly 100 men a night and provides nearly 400 free meals a day to growing lines of hungry individuals and families.
Yet despite a recession and a drop in donations, the organization is planning to expand.
"We think there is a demand for it - and we ask God to help his people to help us," said Joe Little, the mission's spokesman. The mission has already raised more than half the $398,500 needed to renovate cramped second- floor dorms and offices. Work will start next month with the hope that the rest of the money will become available.
And there are plans to help some of the city's 35,000 homeless who stay at shelters.
Next year, the mission hopes to offer emergency beds for women and children, as well as expand the men's Residential Program by adding three more stories to its building, said Little.
The mission has been trying to fulfill these dreams since 2001, when the city authorized it to expand its facilities and community outreach. But fund-raising plans stalled due to a recession.
But Roberto, now 41, has a new outlook. He recently graduated from the New York City Rescue Mission's one-year Residential Program, which gives 20 homeless men a chance to live there, study the Bible and turn their lives around.
These days, he says, "caring for others is my main option."
People like Roberto have found refuge at the faith-based mission since the three-story outpost opened at Lafayette and White Sts. in 1982.
Besides the Residential Program, the mission takes in nearly 100 men a night and provides nearly 400 free meals a day to growing lines of hungry individuals and families.
Yet despite a recession and a drop in donations, the organization is planning to expand.
"We think there is a demand for it - and we ask God to help his people to help us," said Joe Little, the mission's spokesman. The mission has already raised more than half the $398,500 needed to renovate cramped second- floor dorms and offices. Work will start next month with the hope that the rest of the money will become available.
And there are plans to help some of the city's 35,000 homeless who stay at shelters.
Next year, the mission hopes to offer emergency beds for women and children, as well as expand the men's Residential Program by adding three more stories to its building, said Little.
The mission has been trying to fulfill these dreams since 2001, when the city authorized it to expand its facilities and community outreach. But fund-raising plans stalled due to a recession.
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