CHARDON, Ohio — Receiving a gift feels good and maybe even better when it’s unexpected.

The Geauga Faith Rescue Mission in Chardon had quite a surprise when reviewing its financial records.

An anonymous donor donated $104,000 to the faith-based nonprofit.

Anthony Aldridge has been living at the rescue mission for two months.

“How was your trip?” » I asked him.

Aldridge said: “It’s been difficult. It’s been tough, but these guys have been there every step of the way and it’s been humbling.”

The Transitional Housing and Supportive Services program helps men like Aldridge access medical services, transportation, employment opportunities and more.

“Our goal is to give them a comprehensive wellness program that tries to help them where they are…what practices, what habits need to change for them to be successful,” said Nathan Long, executive director of the mission of rescue.

The organization’s program director, Claud Nystrom, said the work is sometimes difficult but rewarding.

“We’re here to honor God, and by showing love to these people, by guiding them through the process, we’re showing love to God,” Nystrom said.

The house, located on Washington Street, can accommodate up to six men.

“Without it, I think a lot of people would have a lot more problems, and they do a lot of good here,” Aldridge said.

Recently, Long received a call from the board’s treasurer, who asked an important question regarding a financial report.

“And I opened my bank account and I went to get the loan, and the loan said, ‘Closed,'” Long said.

He quickly went to the local bank to find out more.

“Someone had a few days before this happened…and just wrote a check and paid the remaining balance of $104,000.”

This was indeed true; someone paid off the mortgage on the men’s shelter.

A letter from the donor stated that he wished to remain anonymous.

Read at length part of the letter that said: “Geauga Faith Rescue Mission reminds us all that in difficult times, there is still much good in this world. And that we should never lose faith in God and humanity. May you continue to change the world for the better, one person at a time.

The gift couldn’t have come at a better time, as the rescue mission is working to purchase the house next door to open a women’s shelter capable of housing up to four people at a time.

“We get calls almost every day from someone who needs shelter. And so right now we’re putting women in a hospitality program, but that really doesn’t meet the needs of our county,” Long said.

Chardon’s planning commission approved the home’s use as a women’s shelter.

“But we still need to be able to raise about $300,000 to purchase the property and then do all the necessary renovations,” Long said.

Despite tight budgets and sometimes concerns about how things will be accomplished, Nathan said needs are always met one way or another.

He said he and the board are grateful to all the donors – those they know and those they don’t.

“Our goal is to have a place here, carved out here in Geauga County, that is a legacy of compassion,” Long said.

Aldridge works at a local gas station and hopes to have his own place soon.

“And these guys (Geauga Faith Rescue Mission) will always be there to be able to help me… if I need advice or anything,” Aldridge said.

More information about the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission can be found at its websiteincluding ways to donate.