Our Needs During COVID-19. Learn More

We Need Volunteers Like You!

Our volunteers are the most caring and compassionate people in San Diego County!

Volunteering with the San Diego Rescue Mission is more than a service opportunity. It’s a chance to bring hope, healing, and compassion to our homeless neighbors.

Whether serving a meal, providing mentorship, sorting donated items, or any other volunteer experience with the Mission, you can make an impact in our community.

If you are a business and want to volunteer, please email Jazmin Earnest jernest@sdrescue.org.

Here’s how you can get involved.

Please note that we are unable to work with court-mandated volunteers at this time.

Featured Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for volunteer opportunities for yourself or a group? Here are two ways to give back.

Weekend Community Serve Days

Rally friends, coworkers, or teammates to serve together on a Saturday.

Oceanside Navigation Center

Select from a range of volunteer opportunities at our Oceanside location, such as serving meals, hosting events, working as a chaplain, and more.

Together, we transform lives!

Let’s Get Social.

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May 22

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Mark your calendar: May 31 is the last day you can give 2x the meals, shelter, and life-transforming care. Give now and your gift will be doubled. Giving link in our bio.

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May 22

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Amanda felt powerless in her family due to a volatile, abusive stepfather who was battling alcoholism. Her silent battle with disordered eating began at age 12, a serious mental health challenge often overlooked. Additionally, she turned to substance abuse to cope with her pain.

Things got worse when Amanda was tragically raped at the age of 16. “I kind of fell apart after that.”

Slipping into a downward spiral, she bounced from place to place drowning her sorrows in alcohol and drugs. At 20 years old, in the depths of despair, she landed in detox. She found the Rescue Mission shortly after, and things began to drastically change as she took back her life.

"...Not until I came here did my mom tell me that there were possible signs of borderline personality disorder." While at the Mission, Amanda had access to therapy and medical resources and was able to gain a borderline personality disorder diagnosis and treatment.

Amanda is continuing her journey of self-discovery and personal growth, "I know what I love to do...I feel like even if there are hard days...I'm doing pretty good."

May Amanda's resilience inspire others to navigate their own paths toward mental stability and wholeness in the face of adversity.

Do you need help overcoming homelessness? Our focus lies in providing personalized, trauma-informed support to the most vulnerable members of our county. click the get help now link in our bio.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SelfCare #HomelessResources #San Diego #RescueMission #BetterTogether

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May 19

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🏆 Shout out to WeRevive — A Generous Partner in Transformation!

WeRevive, a local real estate company with a heart for community, is dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods and ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home.

About four years ago, they launched a scholarship for male Mission Academy graduates. It helps cover housing after the year-long, faith-based recovery program.

At this spring’s graduation, the WeRevive Scholarship was awarded to Donald, who also moved us with his words as the student speaker. Donald overcame addiction, trauma, and near-death experiences to embrace new life. We’re proud of you, Donald — and we’re praying for your continued journey. 🙏

💛 Thank you, WeRevive, and to all our faithful partners and supporters. Your generosity changes lives.

➡️ Want to help end homelessness one life at a time?

Explore our Corporate Care Programs through the links in our bio.

@werevive_

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May 17

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May 15

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"I was lost, broken, and desperate for change. But through God’s grace and the Rescue Mission’s love, my life has been completely rebuilt.”
—Lillian, Mission Academy Graduate

Because of YOU, 43 students—including two families—have completed our year-long, faith-based recovery program. These courageous men, women, and children overcame homelessness and addiction to build new lives full of hope and purpose.

🎥 Watch their powerful transformation:

And it’s not too late to help more lives change. Give by 5/31 and your gift will be MATCHED—doubling your impact! 🙌

🔗 Click the May Match link in our bio.

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May 14

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Meet Ed

“My brain doesn’t make enough happy juice…You have to do a lot of work to get yourself right with the world, your family, your friends… but fear can make it even harder.”

Ed’s honesty about his mental health is a reminder that healing requires more than just housing—it takes support, stability, and compassion.

Today, Ed is a guest at our 30-day emergency shelter, the South County Lighthouse, where he’s found safety, structure, and care. After years of battling homelessness, addiction, and depression, he’s now taking bold steps toward recovery and prioritizing his mental health. “I’m glad to be here. I feel like I’m finally getting the help I need.”

Please keep Ed in your prayers as he continues his journey of healing and hope. 💙

🌐👀 See more stories of people overcoming homelessness through the link in our bio.

#MHAM #MentalHealthAwareness #SanDiegoRescueMission #SouthCountyLighthouse #HopeLivesHere #BetterTogether

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May 14

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🏆 And the Barbara Lee Edwards Scholarship Goes To… Nickole!

The Barbara Lee Edwards Scholarship is awarded to a woman who has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a vision for the future. The scholarship supports her journey toward stable housing and continued education.

At each Mission Academy graduation, a female student is honored with a scholarship that rewards her effort in working the program well. The scholarship reflects the compassion of a donor who wanted to uplift lives beyond graduation.

👏 Congratulations to Nickole, this spring’s recipient! She came to Mission Academy with her two beautiful daughters, and we’ve witnessed their incredible growth. We pray God blesses you as you continue walking in His purpose.

💛 Want to help change more lives like Nickole’s?

Now through May 31, every gift is DOUBLED to support Mission Academy and other life-changing programs.

📲 Give now or explore more resources through the link in our bio.

#Graduation #BarbaraLeeEdwardsScholarship #SanDiegoRescueMission #MissionAcademy #SanDiegoNonprofit

📸@gildaadlerphotography

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May 11

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This month, we honor the courage and love of every mom walking the hard road toward healing and stability.

In 2024, an estimated 2,971 women experienced homelessness in San Diego County—many of them mothers doing everything they can to care for their children and build a better future.

One of the student moms in our year-long residential program shared:
“I want to be a good person for my kids… I want to be a good mom. The Mission helped me get out of a very bad cycle.”

To the moms in our care—and to all moms who wipe away tears, give endlessly, and love without limits—you are a reflection of God’s unshakable love. 🌸

Now through May 31, every donation for moms and children in our Emergency Shelter will be DOUBLED.

Let’s give these families the hope and support they deserve, give through the link in our bio.

#MothersDay #DoubleYourImpact

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May 10

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May 10

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🎓 Celebrating 43 Mission Academy Graduates! 🎓

These men and women completed our 12-month, faith-based recovery program, overcoming homelessness and rebuilding their lives. 📈 84% have already secured employment or have a stable income.
We’re so proud of their transformation. Aren’t these grads beautiful?!!! 🙏

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

It is not too late to help a graduate! For $2.72, you can give one of our students a hot nutritious meal. When you give by 5.31, your gift will have TWICE the power to change lives through our $150,000 May Matching Challenge! Link in our bio.

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May 6

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Today is officially San Diego Rescue Mission Day in San Diego County!

(We’re not saying you have to celebrate with cake… but we won’t stop you. 🎂😉)

We are honored to be recognized by the County Board of Supervisors for our 70 years of service and life-changing impact, alongside Mission Academy alumnus James Case and our incredible leadership team.

Since 1955, the San Diego Rescue Mission has been a beacon of hope, providing food, shelter, and paths to permanent housing. In 2024 alone, we helped 331 people permanently end their homelessness.

We’re deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to serving with compassion and dignity.

Now through May 31, every donation for our neighbors experiencing homelessness will be DOUBLED.

Let’s give these families the hope and support they deserve, visit the May Match link in our bio.

#SanDiegoRescueMissionDay #HopeLivesHere #DoubleYourImpact

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May 5

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Congratulations Mission Academy Class of Spring 2025! 🎓 Now it's your time to shine!

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May 5

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In May, your impact at the San Diego Rescue Mission is doubled- dollar for dollar- up to $150,000! Give now and provide twice the meals, shelter, care, and hope.
🔗 link in our bio.

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May 3

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🎓 DON’T MISS IT—SPRING GRADUATION IS TOMORROW! 🎓

Join us as we celebrate real transformation through Christ!
⏰ Time: 10:30am–12:00pm
📍 Location: First Presbyterian Church, 320 Date Street, San Diego
📡 Watch Live Online through the link in our bio.

Is it really possible to overcome homelessness, addiction, and trauma? Absolutely—see for yourself. You’ll witness living proof as our Mission Academy graduates walk the stage, fully restored by grace and your faithful support.

#Graduation #Healing #RescueMission #SanDiegoNonProfit #HomelessResources

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May 1

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🙏 Today, Ashley—our Associate Director of Church Partnerships —is speaking at the National Day of Prayer at Ruocco Park overlooking the bay, and Porsche Copeland—our Donor Engagement Officer—is sharing at Oceanside’s Day of Prayer.

They’re joining local leaders to lift up our county, our unhoused neighbors 🏙️, and the frontline outreach teams serving those in need with love and care.
Let’s lift and pray for:
• For neighbors living on the streets: safety, strength, health, and hope that their situation is not permanent (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Strength for students and shelter guests as they address the causes of their homelessness.
• Praise for God's work through the Mission Academy yearlong residential program, Children’s Resource Center, and our Lighthouse- 30-day emergency shelters.
• Support for guests, staff, volunteers, and all serving vulnerable neighbors on the front lines.
• Wisdom and guidance for national and regional leaders addressing homelessness.

📩 How can we pray for you today? Let us know below.

#NationalDayOfPrayer #RescueMission #SanDiegoNonProfit #UnshelteredNeighbors #HomelessResources

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Apr 29

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Way to go Rafael!
Rafael lives out our values of faith, integrity, compassion, and excellence every day at the Mission. From praying with guests and team members to offering haircuts on his days off, he serves with a heart full of love and a spirit of true devotion. Rafael is a shining example of Christ’s love in action. 💛

Want to be part of a team that leads with purpose?
👉 Visit the career link in our bio. #NowHiring

📸 Rafael pictured with his amazing mom, SDRM Advocate Lupe 💕

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Stay Connected

Get life-changing stories, invitations to upcoming events, and learn how you can help fight homelessness in the San Diego community.

San Diego Rescue Mission is a non-profit homeless shelter and recovery center serving thousands of men, women and children experiencing homelessness, hunger, poverty and abuse in San Diego since 1955.

P.O. Box 80427
San Diego, CA 92138
(619) 687-3720
sdrminfo@sdrescue.org

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