Donate Goods

Programs for Men

Mission Academy >>

12-month residential shelter with supportive programming

Programs for Women

Emergency Shelter for Women & Children >>

Nightly drop-in, emergency shelter for women and children

Mission Academy - For Women & Women with Children >>

12-month residential shelter with supportive programming

Programs for Children

Emergency Shelter for Women & Children >>

Nightly drop-in, emergency shelter for women and children

Mission Academy - For Women & Women with Children >>

12-month residential shelter with supportive programming

Children's Center Preschool >>

Preschool serving children at risk ages 2-5

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Contact Leadership Team

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Become a Partner

YES, I’ve decided to leave a lasting legacy of helping the homeless.

Thank you for including San Diego Rescue Mission in your Will or Revocable Living Trust!

Please take a few moments to let us know about your decision by filling out this form. We appreciate the opportunity to acknowledge your generosity and answer any questions you might have about the impact of your legacy gift.

Yes, I have decided to make a stock gift to the San Diego Rescue Mission to help get people off the streets permanently.

Step 1: Please take a moment to fill out this form. We appreciate the opportunity to thank you for your generous contribution and answer any questions you might have about the impact of your stock gift.

Yes, I have made a gift from my Donor Advised Fund to support the life-changing work of the San Diego Rescue Mission.

Please take a moment to fill out this form. We appreciate the opportunity to acknowledge your generosity and answer any questions you might have about the impact of your DAF gift.

Edvin Liku

Edvin started working for the San Diego Rescue Mission in early 1999 as Education Director for the men’s residential program. In 2006, he was promoted to Program Director for the men’s program where he continued to wholeheartedly serve men experiencing homelessness and witness God work in the hearts of many.

“Providing a safe haven for the poor, lost and forgotten has strengthened my faith and humility believing that God’s power in changing people’s lives is real and evident. I have been blessed and honored to be part of this life-transformation journey and see people’s lives change forever through the Rescue Mission.”

In 2010, Edvin’s role was expanded when he was promoted to Vice President of Operations. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Education with a minor is Social Work from Point Loma Nazarene University. In addition, he has completed a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University as well as earning a Non-Profit Management Development certificate from Harvard Business School.

Married to his wife Erona for 16 years, they have two boys, Jason and Mattias. While they live in Scripps Ranch, their family attends services at First Church of Nazarene in Point Loma.

Paul Armstrong

Paul served over twenty years in the United States Navy as a Supply Corps Officer and Chaplain before transitioning into Social Services. Passionate to see the Church impact the community, he retired from the Navy and pursued his vision of serving those experiencing homelessness. Formerly the Social Services Director at the Salvation Army and the Chief Programs Officer on San Diego’s Regional Task Force on the Homeless, Paul joined us as Vice President of Programs in 2020.

“When the Body of Christ fully utilizes all of our gifts and talents, there is no one better than us to tackle the issue of homelessness.”

His extensive education background and experience make Paul an incredible addition to the San Diego Rescue Mission team. Paul received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. He earned his Master’s in Busines Administration from Brenau University, Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary and his Master’s in Social Work from University of Southern California.

Paul and his wife Andreya met at the University of New Mexico. They have four adult children: Nathan, Zach, Andreya and Caleb. Their family worships at North Coast Church.

Michelle Smith

Michelle joined the Rescue Mission in 2016 and served as the Community Relations/Event Manager for two years then became Director of Marketing. In 2019, she was promoted to her current role as Vice President of Development in which she guides fundraising, communications, marketing and events.

A graduate of Point Loma Nazarene College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Michelle also earned her Masters of Human Services specializing in Non-profit Management from the University of the Rockies. Since then, she’s served at-risk youth, international refugees and survivors of sex trafficking. After securing funds to purchase the first long-term home for survivors of sex trafficking in San Diego, Michelle was called to the San Diego Rescue Mission.

“Serving the most needy and vulnerable of our community has been my greatest joy and honor, but serving here has taken my love and excitement for seeing God’s children healed to new heights. He is truly changing lives here and this is an incredible time to be a part of it.”

Michelle lives in the University Heights neighborhood and attends All People’s Church.

Michelle LeBeau

In 2019, Michelle came on staff as Director of Church Partnerships and in 2021 was promoted to the Vice President level, overseeing church engagement, volunteering, holiday meals and Walk With Me (outreach initiative). She brings 32 years of experience in corporate marketing and church ministry. Prior to joining the Rescue Mission, she worked with a Christian non-profit focused on empowering impoverished women and girls from remote villages in Africa to become self-sustaining. She holds a BA in Marketing Communications from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA.

Michelle’s heart for “loving thy neighbor” began at a young age. She grew up in Los Angeles where her father pastored a large Presbyterian church for 30 years. Michelle believes God has called her to make meaningful connections that ignite change in people’s lives.

“I love engaging the local Church in the work God is doing through the San Diego Rescue Mission, not only for the healing it will bring our city, but for the revival that will flood our churches as more people step out to live and love like Jesus.”

Michelle and her husband Jim have two sons who are year-round San Diego City Lifeguards. The family is active at St. Brigid’s Parish and also attends All People’s Church.

Laura Bertagnolli

Laura Bertagnolli of Signature Analytics, LLC is the newest addition to our leadership team, joining the Rescue Mission in 2021.

As Vice President of Finance, she oversees the areas of Finance and Human Relations. With 27 years of professional leadership experience in non-profit, corporate, and small business environments, Laura has worked across multiple industries, continually increasing her breadth of responsibility, competency, and leadership skills. Most recently, Laura served as CFO and Managing Director of Christian Youth Theater, the largest national youth theater program, where she managed all facets of accounting and finance as well as HR for the company and advised its 31 branches across the country.

Passionate about making a difference, Laura brings value to our leadership team through delivering clear, concise financial results that drive decision making. She thrives in this environment where she can make an impact and be part of transforming lives using her God-given gifts and talents.

"I love the vision, mission, and values of the Rescue Mission. Homelessness is a complex problem and I believe that the Rescue Mission has the right solution to address it. The Rescue Mission is not just a shelter but a place of true healing and transformation using Christ as the center of the solution."

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance from Texas A & M University.

Laura and her husband, Mark, have two teenage sons, Tyler (17) and Jake (15), who both attend Santa Fe Christian School and are avid soccer players. The Bertagnolli family lives in La Jolla and attends church at both St Brigid’s Parish and Torrey Pines Church.

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