American Rescue Workers to Expand Operations, Sell Federal Hill Property

American Rescue Workers (ARW), a Christian charitable organization since 1884, is looking to expand its operations through the sale of its aging property at 1401 S. Hanover St. in Federal Hill. The property, which has been home to ARW for more than 40 years, is listed for $3,000,000 with Faith Realty and encompasses five to six rowhome lots and 70,000 sq. ft. of space between the existing building and its parking lot, according to ARW Pastor Tony Bell. ARW plans to use the proceeds from the sale to purchase a larger, more modern facility.

The ARW ministry provides a homeless shelter for up to 50 men each night, as well as a soup kitchen and food pantry for men, women, and children. It also offers programs for men suffering from homelessness and addiction. Pastor Bell told SouthBMore.com that each month ARW helps approximately 300 men and feeds approximately 500 people. ARW also offers three weekly worship services along with a Bible study.

In addition to its S. Hanover St. headquarters, ARW also has an office and thrift store at 2441 W. Baltimore St. in West Baltimore. Proceeds from the thrift store, along with donations, help fund the ministry. Donations can be mailed to ARW’s office or submitted online at AmericanRescueWorkers.org.

ARW donates excess clothing donations it receives to third world countries.

ARW will not continue its overnight shelter service at its new facility, but will expand its other programs.

The mission is personal to Pastor Bell and his family members, who are also part of the team at ARW. “I was once homeless myself, so this is my way of giving back. It’s very rewarding,” Pastor Bell told SouthBMore.com. He has worked at ARW for 21 years.

Pastor Bell told SouthBMore.com he has received calls from real estate developers in the past and that the property has “four interested parties” since hitting the market earlier this week. “This is prime real estate located in a very lucrative area,” he said. “For us, this is a good opportunity to raise money and expand what we are doing.”

Pastor Bell believes that the property is ideal for developers looking to build townhomes or condominiums. “Developers should come out and see it, they’ll be surprised by how big it is,” he said.

Pastor Bell told SouthBMore.com that ARW is looking at numerous properties for its next facility and is hoping everything will come together by the Spring or Summer. He said ARW’s new home will likely be a bit farther from Downtown.

“I truly thank the Federal Hill community for the way they have supported us all these years,” he said.

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via http://southbmore.com/2017/03/02/american-rescue-workers-to-expand-operations-sell-federal-hill-property/