As one travels around the Lehigh Valley, trucks may be seen traveling, parked in customers businesses, or hauling debris and junk promoting the Allentown Rescue Mission’s “The Clean Team,” a transitional return to work program of the Mission employing formerly homeless men.

Recently, the Mission added another vehicle to its fleet to serve a different purpose.

“We’re calling it our ‘Homeless Support Vehicle,’” Allentown Rescue Mission Clean Team and Facilities Manager Michael Mauro said. “We realized vehicle branding has played an integral part to brand recognition and awareness of our Clean Team in the community.

“We wanted to replicate that model by promoting the various free of charge services we provide for homeless-men-in-need on a vehicle that supports various functions.”

The 2014 Ford F350 was made possible under a 50-percent purchase from Process Masters of Kutztown, and a 50-percent personal donation by its company president, David Owen.

The truck will be used to transport guests to appointments, pick up donations in the community, and put men back to work through the Clean Team.

The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3 nonprofit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900.

In addition to emergency shelter services 365 days a year, the Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment that pays above state minimum wage through the Clean Team, all of which are reflected in the graphics on the truck.

On the truck’s rear panels is printed “Do you need help? Does a loved one need hope? We’re here to help.”

In 2018, the Mission provided services for more than 750 men and served 55,191 meals.

To refer someone to the Mission for services or to learn ways to help make a difference, visit allentownrescuemission.org.