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Transformation Stories

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Real Stories of Lives Changed

Hear our graduates and current students of our program share how coming to the Rescue Mission has changed their lives.

Through a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery, radical restoration is possible.

Mission Academy Graduations

2023 Fall Grads

2023 Spring Grads

Student Success Stories

Rosanna, Mission Academy

Marisa, Mission Academy

Ty, Mission Academy

Angel, Mission Academy

Antoinette, Mission Academy

Brett, Mission Academy

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Change Lives Today

Your gift helps homeless men, women & children rebuild their lives. Just $2.72 feeds one hungry neighbor!

Let’s Get Social.

Apr 16

After Bobby lost his beloved mother, he spiraled into grief and loneliness, turning to alcohol to cope. Jobless and with nowhere else to go, he ended up sleeping in his truck until it was wrecked in an accident. But through the Rescue Mission’s Mission Academy, our year-long rehabilitation program, Tony found the support he needed to rebuild his life.

Now, we're thrilled to share an update: Bobby recently moved into his own apartment furnished by Humble Design San Diego. "… I put God first every day, and the blessings just keep coming," he says.

Your generosity changed Bobby's life, bringing hope and endless possibilities.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. Support students like Bobby at Mission Academy today, donate through the link in our bio. 🙏❤️ #TransformingLives

#TransformingLives
@humbledesignsandiego Humble Design San Diego

Apr 13

It's more than just charity. You turn wheels into shelter!

When you donate your car to the San Diego Rescue Mission, you're transforming it into a "vehicle of hope." Your contribution is tax-deductible, and we use it to offer shelter, meals, clothing, education, and job-skills training to individuals and families facing homelessness.

The process is easy! Simply visit our Donate A Car page and download a Vehicle Donation Form through the link in our bio. Once we receive your completed form, we'll reach out to you to arrange a convenient time for vehicle pickup.

On behalf of those we serve, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in turning your car into a life-changing gift.

#CarDonation #UsedCar #RescueMission #GivingBack #NonProfit #HelpTheHomeless

Apr 11

It’s no secret that men, women and children right here in our community are struggling, but do you know how many will actually spend the night outside tonight?💔No home… desperate for food and safety… and fighting the hopeless feeling that their neighbors see their pain and don’t care.😢The number may shock you…. But the good news is that YOU can help them.💟 Be the answer for those in need! Donation link is in our bio.

Apr 9

More families than ever before are seeking our services. In 2023, 132 families received safe shelter and services through our Navigation Centers and Mission Academy Residential program.

A special department called the Children’s Resource Center serves the needs of all children and their parents in our programs. With educational support, family counseling, and parenting tools, they become stable and healthy.

See how you are helping parents and their children flourish, Children's Resource Center info is in our bio.

Apr 5

The San Diego Rescue Mission is in desperate need of new twin-size bed sheets and bath towels as we continue to expand our services for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness.

Would you provide comfort for our guests and students by donating a new set of twin-size sheets or bath towels?

We can receive these new items at our front desk, 120 Elm St., San Diego. Please mark them ATTN: Wish List or shop our Amazon Wish List and have them shipped to us. https://bit.ly/4cpxGjR

Thank you for your continued compassion and support!

#DonationsNeeded #LoveYourNeighbor #HelpTheHomeless #UnshelteredNeighbors #HomelessResources

Apr 4

Remember Daniel?

We posted about him last week. Daniel's story is one of highs and lows, from a thriving business and family life to the depths of addiction, incarceration, and finally rebuilding his life in our 12-month, faith-based recovery program.

He has been over the moon with how God is working in his life these days. He's eagerly preparing to share his testimony at an upcoming conference at the college he attends and wrapping up his final plumbing class. By the end of April, he'll proudly receive his plumbing certificate, and in early May, he'll graduate from Mission Academy.

Isn’t God amazing? Read his inspiring story of redemption and the impact of your generosity, click the Impact Report link in our bio.

#ThisIsMyTestimony #RedemptionStory

Apr 2

A Family's Story of Resilience 💪 #homesweethome

Recently, the Mission's warehouse staff blessed a family with some essential furnishings as they found long-term housing.

This courageous mother and her three boys found themselves at our Downtown Navigation Center for women and children. From her first meeting with our staff, she was determined to find a safe place for her young children. She had been sober for over a decade, but her husband still struggled with substance abuse, creating an unstable living environment. So, she left with her boys.

Our Navigation Center was their lifeline. Our drop-in facility provides more than just a safe place to sleep; it offers hot meals, clothing, hygiene products, and access to warm showers every night. She received personalized case management tailored to her family's needs. For her, it meant finding a permanent home for her family through a housing voucher — a 4-bedroom house that is now filled with the sounds of happy children.

None of this would have been possible without the support of generous donors and partners like you. Your contributions change the lives of families experiencing homelessness.

Make a difference, click the link in our bio to donate today. 🏠❤️ #HomelessResources #OperationNavigation #SanDiegoNonprofit

Mar 31

🕊️ Just as Christ's resurrection symbolizes new life, hope, and triumph over death, let's treasure this day as a moment for appreciation and the assurance of new life and fresh starts.

From all of us at the Rescue Mission, we wish you and your family abundant peace, joy, and hope this Easter!

HE IS RISEN! HAPPY EASTER!

🌷#EasterBlessings #NewLifeInChrist #Renewal #2Corinthians517 #HeIsRisen #ChristianNonprofit

Mar 30

“…Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30

His mission was accomplished and his purpose was completed. BUT the story does not end at the cross. The best is yet to come. After Friday, comes Sunday and the resurrection of our Savior.

Have a blessed Holy weekend, reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice and His gift of eternal life offered to all who believe in HIM.🙏

#EasterWeekend #HeIsRisen #ChristianNonprofit

Mar 28

Easter is just days away!

⏰Your support is needed NOW as more struggling people are turning here for help ❤️ Our budget is stretched to the limit – so please don’t wait.👉Give now to provide Easter meals for neighbors who are hungry and homeless!🙏 Donate today through the link in our bio.

#Easter #EasterMeals #EasterFood #LoveYourNeighbor #HelpTheHomeless #RescueMission

Mar 27

What a blessing!

Last Saturday at our Easter meal, we were able to provide hope and nourishment to 840 people, including:

🚿 91 SHOWERS
💇‍♂️ 67 HAIRCUTS
🍽️ 500 OUTREACH MEALS
🥡 40 TO GO MEALS
🍲 100 OCEANSIDE NAVIGATION CENTER MEALS
🏫 200 MISSION ACADEMY & DOWNTOWN NAVIGATION CENTER MEALS

Take a look at some snapshots from our INCREDIBLE DAY!

For many of our struggling neighbors, Easter is a time without celebration or hope, but thanks to YOU, that changed. Your support has transformed the Mission into a place of hope where hunger fades. Thank you for making a difference!

A special shout-out to our church and corporate partners, volunteers, and sponsors:
Holy Spirit Anglican Church, Canyon Springs Church, Hope for San Diego, Axos Bank, TCW Global, Molina Healthcare, American College of Physicians So Cal, and MTS.

THANK YOU!

Holy Spirit Anglican (San Diego, CA) @canyonspringschurch @hopeforsd @axosbank TCWG @molinahealth @sdmts

#SanDiego #GivingBack #NonProfit #EndHunger #FoodInsecurity

Mar 26

Daniel had it all – a loving wife, 2 children, and his own handyman business in Carlsbad. His life looked perfect on the outside, but he was keeping secrets from his family. Living a double life. His family had no idea that their lives would soon be torn apart…

Read Daniel’s story in the Impact Report linked in our bio to discover the outcome of his journey through homelessness.

#ThisIsMyTestimony #RedemptionStory

Mar 24

You gave more than just a meal!

Friends, volunteers, corporations, and churches partnered with us today to bless hundreds of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness with nourishing meals and essential services including showers and haircuts.

Today you gave hope, and a sense of renewal and possibility. You served up a festive feast to 840 people. Today, you changed lives!

🚿 91 SHOWERS
💇‍♂️ 67 HAIRCUTS
🍽️ 500 OUTREACH MEALS
🥡 40 TO GO MEALS
🍲 100 OCEANSIDE NAVIGATION CENTER MEALS
🏫 200 MISSION ACADEMY & DOWNTOWN NAVIGATION CENTER MEALS

Thank You!

#FoodInsecurity #MoreThanAMeal #CommunityMeal #Outreach

Holy Spirit Anglican Church
@sdmts @canyonspringschurch @axosbank

Mar 23

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Mar 23

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Mar 22

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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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We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. Tax Id #95-1874073
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