With a mission statement of ‘Reaching Out to Transform Lives,” the Oakdale Rescue Mission is hosting a Question & Answer session regarding the homeless population in the community. The meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale.

The goal, said ORM member Pamela Kelly, is to provide time to answer a number of questions already raised and address those new ones brought to the meeting.

A flyer circulated by the organization lists more than two dozen questions, ranging from ‘What is the accurate number of homeless in Oakdale?’ to ‘Why do you help them?’

The Oakdale Rescue Mission has a long term goal of providing an Outreach and Engagement Center, which could include shower and laundry facilities as well as provide help with résumé writing and job searches.

Kelly said they will even address the question of why ORM helps the homeless and if they have had ‘success’ stories of those they have helped that are no longer homeless.

Kelly said there are many ways the community can help and those with questions can email them to oakdalerescuemission@outlook.com or call her at 209-679-1394.

The Oakdale Rescue Mission is a California charitable non-profit public benefit 501c3 organization.

This week’s Oakdale Rescue Mission meeting comes shortly after the first of what are now planned monthly clean up days along the Stanislaus River near the bridge at the north end of town. The first Saturday of each month has been designated for river clean up by the Department of Fish and Game and, prior to the February clean up day, notices were posted at some encampments along the river requiring those staying there to vacate the premises.