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

The Fe Geauga Rescue Mission in Chardon got a big surprise when reviewing its financial records.

An anonymous donor gave the religious nonprofit organization $104,000.

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

“How was your trip?” I asked him.

Aldridge said: “It’s been difficult. “It’s been tough, but these guys have been here the whole time and it’s been humbling.”

The transitional and supportive housing program helps men like Aldridge access medical services, transportation, job opportunities and more.

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

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

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

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

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

Recently, Long received a call from the board’s treasurer, who had a big question about a financial report.

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

He quickly went to the neighborhood bank to get more information.

“Someone had come in a few days earlier … and just wrote a check and paid the remaining balance of $104,000.”

In fact, it was true; Someone paid the mortgage on the men’s shelter.

A letter from the donor said he wished to remain anonymous.

Long read a portion of the letter that read: “Geauga Faith Rescue Mission reminds us all that in difficult times, there is still much good in this world. And that we must 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 with the capacity to house up to four people at a time.

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

Chardon’s planning commission approved the house to be used 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 worries about how things will be accomplished, Nathan said needs are always met in some way.

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

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

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

“And these guys (Geuga Faith Rescue Mission) will always be around to be able to help me…if I’m in a pinch to ask for advice or whatever,” Aldridge said.

You can find more information about the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission at their websiteincluding ways to make a donation.