ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany Rescue Mission says it could be forced to close after 38 years without immediate financial support.

The non-profit serves as a shelter, food bank, and thrift-store ministry serving Albany. Currently, it houses eight women, two children, and 20 men in a separate building, according to ministry leaders.

The mission, which has operated for nearly four decades, says it does not accept government funding because of its faith-based mission, leaving it entirely dependent on private and community donations.

Leaders estimate $7,000 to $10,000 in monthly costs to provide shelter, two free daily meal distributions to the community, food assistance, clothing, hygiene supplies, and emergency help for local unhoused individuals and low-income families.

The non-profit says its most recent financial strain was a severe summer drought in donations and unexpected increases in its utility bills and plumbing repairs, forcing it to pause accepting additional women into its shelter.

Back in September of 2025, the mission reopened its women’s shelter after a temporary closure due to funding shortages.

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WALB will talk with the CEO and founder about how the community can support the non-profit and will update this story with more.

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