Far too many of the men and women who come to the Mission each and every day have given up. Life has crushed them and left them without hope. Each day, we hear them say things like:

“I had reached bottom.”
“I thought about ending my life.”
“I burnt all my bridges.”
“My friends and family gave up on me.”
“I had nowhere else to go.”

In addition to receiving food and shelter, they need to know that they are loved… that their lives have value… that they can begin again.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Not just life today, or life tomorrow, but life eternal. Your support brings this message to people who are homeless and hungry; it lets them know that they do have the strength to start over!

Herb Johnson
President/CEO

For more than 50 years it has been more than our purpose – it has been our privilege — to help San Diego’s homeless and poor populations create better lives for themselves and, in turn, build a better community for us all

Our comprehensive programs  meet basic needs, then go further. They help our clients address the challenges behind their homelessness for positive, lasting change.

They provide an opportunity for those in need to take control of their lives, find a new level of stability, and return to their communities as fulfilled, contributing members of society.

In my new blog, I’ll be sharing stories from within the Nueva Vida Haven Emergency Overnight Shelter for Women & Children, as well as insight and progress updates from our 12-month rehabilitation program.

Our residential rehabilitation program is the largest in the county and goes beyond just providing basic meal and overnight shelter -and even beyond basic job training.

We incorporate a holistic approach to recovery, addressing the needs of the mind, body, and soul. By doing so we help our residents confront and overcome the problems that led to homelessness in the first place. This helps put broken families back together.

Join me here on this blog each month, as I share important updates and powerful stories from within the San Diego Rescue Mission, and show you first hand just how the support of people like you is helping to change lives.

Herb Johnson
President/CEO

My heart goes out to the people of Boston, my home for over fifty years, and home to twelve of my Grandchildren!

Immediately after the events unfolded, I reached out to the President of the Boston Rescue Mission, letting him know that they are on our Prayer List.

As he described the horrific acts of violence at the finish line, and how his friends and family were coping with the tragedy, he concluded his email with the following inspirational statement:

“Our hope comes in many forms.  In this time of sorrow, I pray and hope for healing, for courage, for the peace and the goodness that still surround us all.”

An important reminder, that in spite of this horrific event, there is still good in this world, and the act of few should not overshadow all the good that the rest of us are accomplishing.

Stay Strong. God Bless,

Herb Johnson
President/CEO

Springtime at the Mission not only marks a time to prepare for one of our biggest holiday meals, Easter, but a time to celebrate new beginnings- and in this month’s case, a brand new life!

Meet our newest resident here at the Mission.  Because of the continued support of our donors, this little girl has a safe and stable place to come home to and thrive while her mom finishes up the year-long residential recovery program.

When hunger ends, life really does begin. And that statement couldn’t have rang more true at this year’s Easter Meal, where we were able to provide hundreds of home-cooked meals for those who might otherwise have no food, companionship, or celebration this holiday.
Writing of new beginnings, we recently announced our new Mission Catering service available to churches, organizations and individuals.

This new program not only provides an additional revenue stream to the Mission, but helps our residents gain valuable knowledge and experience needed to acquire employment in the culinary field.

A few other exciting new things happening this year include expanding our Thrift Store offerings by seeking a new location.  We also have a new partnership with the Fish, Food, Feel Good organization which will donate fresh fish and seafood product to the Mission.  The kids’ playground has a new shade structure made possible by Over the Hill Gang association.  And finally, under the new Green Initiative Program, the Mission continues to improve savings by changing all light bulbs, installing sensor light switches and reducing paper usage.

On behalf of everyone here at the Mission, I thank you for your continued support of our critical life-changing programs. Because of you, we are able to celebrate another year of new beginnings here at the Mission!

Herb Johnson
President/CEO