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Stories of Hope

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Breaking Free: A Father’s Redemption Through Faith and Grace

Growing up as one of nine kids, Kyle often felt invisible in his own home…

The Road to Optimism: Steve’s Story

Steve’s life fell apart when he had to leave a job he loved…

Paul has a NEW LIFE in Christ this Easter!

“I was homeless… I reached a point where I was done.”

Ella

Thank you for giving Ella a life-changing gift this Christmas!

“By the grace of God… I’ve been so blessed.”

Erica

Erica shares how your support changed her life!

“I was on the streets for two years…”

Gabriel

The love YOU share gives hope

“I know now who God made me to be.”

Chanel

Chanel is celebrating Easter with JOY!

“I had no place to go… my addiction took over…”

James Case

Thanks to you… James has HOPE this Christmas!

“I had no place to go… my addiction took over…”

Windy wants to share how your support changed her life!

“I was scared to let go of the life that I knew…”

Thank you for loving your neighbor, Roberta

“God is working in my life.”

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Apr 24

“It changed my perspective on people going through homelessness. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the community and help with whatever I can. I believe that everyone has a story and this experience really puts into perspective how much we need each other as humans. Helping each other is part of what makes a community flourish and a point was made that homelessness is a community issue.”
San Diego Rescue Mission Volunteers 3.25

#VolunteerAppreciationWeek
Since 1955, San Diego businesses have partnered with us to help transform lives. Your tireless dedication is critical. Thank you for standing with us and addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness and hunger in San Diego County.

👉 Want to get your company involved? Join us, check out the volunteer link in our bio.

#CorporateVolunteers #OneLifeAtATime
@axosbank @bumblebeefoods @missionfed @planningcenter @rincontribe @werevive_

Apr 22

“I got to see how people are living while staying here and how everyone that comes in has different needs and experiences.”

“I was so touched by the strong sense of community that I felt here. It has confirmed my belief in this organization!”
San Diego Rescue Mission Volunteers 3.25

#VolunteerAppreciationWeek We can’t thank you enough for your energy, time, and compassion for people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County.
Want to impact the lives of hurting and homeless neighbors? Get involved, click the link in our bio.

Apr 20

May the God of hope fill you with all joy -Romans 15:13

From all of us at the Rescue Mission, wishing you the peace and hope of our Risen Savior, today and always.

HE IS RISEN! HAPPY EASTER!

Apr 19

“…Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” – John 19:30

The resurrection changed everything, bringing hope, life, and victory over death.

His mission was fulfilled. His purpose complete. But the story didn’t end at the cross.

✨ Sunday was coming.

The resurrection changed everything—bringing hope, life, and victory over death.

This Holy Weekend, may you reflect deeply on Jesus’ sacrifice and rejoice in the gift of eternal life He offers to all who believe.

Apr 18

“I was homeless… I reached a point where I was done.”

Paul lost his way after the death of his hero—his dad. Years of pain, addiction, and homelessness followed… until he found healing and hope at the Rescue Mission. 💛

This Easter, Paul is walking in new life and rediscovering his purpose—one step at a time.

👉 Read Paul’s powerful story through the blog link in our bio.

#HopeStartsHere #SanDiegoRescueMission

Apr 16

This Easter, share God’s love with a mother and her children.

Homelessness is terrifying, especially for a mom with little ones depending on her. But you can give the gift of safety and hope.

Your donation provides a night of shelter, hot meals, and compassionate care for women and children in crisis.

“We were blessed to be able to come here when we had no other option… who knows what would’ve happened if we didn’t take that offer?” – Ashley, a grateful mom from our South County Lighthouse

Be the reason a family feels safe, seen, and loved.
👉 Give a night of shelter today. 🔗 Follow the link in our bio.
📸 South County Lighthouse guests

Apr 15

What a Blessing!

Last Saturday, during our special Easter meal, we were honored to bring hope and nourishment to 520 guests—thanks to your generous support!

🚿 35 refreshing showers
💇‍♂️ 30 fresh haircuts
🩺 51 Scripps medical check-ups
🍽 Countless hearts filled

Check out some snapshots from this incredible day of compassion and connection!

For many of our neighbors facing hardship, Easter can feel empty. But because of you, this year was different. We’re so grateful for you. We hope you were blessed too!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing church and corporate partners, volunteers, and sponsors—we couldn’t do it without you!

@hopeforsd @pdrchurch @missionfed @sdge @axosbank

Hope for San Diego, Paseo del Rey Church (Chula Vista), Chinese Christian Bible Church Mission Fed, SDG&E, BMO, Axos Bank
THANK YOU!

Apr 11

Let’s continue to spread the word to anyone experiencing hunger, despair, or homelessness.

Saturday, April 12, at 120 Elm Street, we’re putting on a community feast!

The San Diego Rescue Mission invites low-income neighbors and those experiencing homelessness to celebrate the hope of Easter. Enjoy a nourishing meal, a hot shower, and even a haircut, all for FREE.

🚿✂️11 am to 1 pm: Hot showers and haircuts
🍽️1 pm to 3 pm: Delicious meal service, medical care, prayer, giveaways, and more

Pass along this invitation to someone in need! For more information, visit the event link in our bio.

#FoodInsecurity #MoreThanAMeal #CommunityMeal #Outreach 🥫🏠

Apr 11

"The Mission brought me here to heal. Every day is still a struggle, but I’m no longer facing it alone. I can see the light ahead." Meripa, Current Oceanside Navigation Center Guest

Meripa’s journey was filled with unimaginable struggles. In 2016, she and her 11-year-old daughter lost their home, and life became an endless battle for survival. They lived in motels, cars, and couch surfed with friends and family. 🏚️

Meripa battled deep depression, mental health challenges, family loss, and addiction struggles. Her health declined drastically, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair. Family tensions eventually led her to seek help, where a social worker referred her to our 30-day emergency shelter, the Oceanside Navigation Center. 🌊

At the Rescue Mission, Meripa found something she had longed for—hope, safety, and support.

Keep Meripa in your prayers as she navigates through the next steps of rebuilding her life. Want to learn more about how the Oceanside Navigation Center helps people like Meripa? Visit the link in our bio.

Apr 10

This Easter, give more than just a meal. 🌷

For just $2.72, you can provide a warm meal, a safe place to sleep... and so much more. Every act of kindness brings hope, healing, and a fresh start to those in need.

Make a difference today and help your neighbors find hope for a brighter tomorrow. Visit the link in our bio. 💖 #GiveHope #EasterGiving #ChangeLives

Apr 8

The Up and Running program trains individuals experiencing homelessness at the San Diego Rescue Mission to overcome physical, mental, and emotional barriers through running. After 12 weeks of grueling training, nine runners completed the 13.1 miles! 🌄

Lupita, our Excellence Award winner, showed incredible grit. Last season, she had to stop at mile 5, but this year? She finished under 4 hours—teamwork and tenacity at its finest. 🏅 When Lupita crossed the finish line with her teammates and coaches walking alongside her, she said, "You didn’t have to do this,” but we know: We start as a team and we finish strong as a team. 🙌🏽

Each year, many Mission Academy students complete half marathons. They gain confidence, overcome addiction, and embrace a life full of hope and purpose.
Learn more about how the San Diego Rescue Mission is changing lives through the links in our bio.

#UpAndRunningAgain @upandrunningagain

Apr 4

Turn a simple donation into comfort for our neighbors in need!

The San Diego Rescue Mission urgently needs new children’s and adult underwear, as well as basic new clothing to support men, women, and families experiencing homelessness at our Mission Academy year-long residential program and 30 day- Emergency Shelters.

Can you help provide comfort and dignity for our guests by donating fresh, essential clothing items?

Through the link in our bio, you can shop our Amazon Wish List and have your donations shipped directly to us.

Thank you for your kindness and continued support!

#DonationsNeeded #UnshelteredNeighbors #HomelessResources #ComfortAndDignity

Apr 2

🕊️ We need your help to spread some sweet joy!

This Easter, the San Diego Rescue Mission is preparing a special feast for our unsheltered neighbors on April 12th, and we need your help to spread joy! 🌸 We’re looking for apple, berry, and peach pies, plus dinner rolls, to make this meal a time of love and hope.

If you'd like to contribute, drop off your store-bought pies or dinner rolls by April 10th at the Mission front desk (Attention: Alan Kennedy), 120 Elm Street, Monday-Friday, 8 am - 3 pm. 🥧

Your kindness will bring joy to those in need. Let’s show Christ’s love in action this Easter! 🌿

For more details, visit our events page link in our bio.

Mar 29

Faith & Family Night with the Padres is BACK!

Join the San Diego Rescue Mission and the Padres on Saturday, May 17 at 5:40 PM as they take on the Mariners at Petco Park for an unforgettable night of faith, fun, and fellowship! ⚾

🎟️ Your exclusive game package includes:
• A Padres FAITH hat to remember the night
• Postgame concert by the inspiring Rhett Walker
• A ticket to the game for all the action!

Through this link only, a portion of the proceeds from your ticket purchase will benefit the Rescue Mission! www.mlb.com/padres/tickets/specials/faith-family-night

Get your tickets and change the lives of our homeless neighbors!

#FaithAndFamilyNight #Padres @padres

Mar 27

From hopelessness to hope – Thanks to YOU! 🚨

"I was depressed and hopeless. Now I am very optimistic." – Steve, Mission Academy Student 2024

Steve’s life was torn apart after a tragic accident and a series of heartbreaking losses.

👉 Learn how you are changing lives, read Steve’s story on our Mission blog. Link in bio.

#HomelessResources

Mar 25

🎙️ Don’t miss this interview on KOCT TV’s Oceanside Spectrum! Donnie Dee and Porsche Copeland join Celeste Barbier to talk about the incredible work being done at the San Diego Rescue Mission’s 30-day emergency shelter in Oceanside. 🌊

🏠 Dive into the heart of homelessness and discover the impact of the Mission and the vital work being done throughout the county. 📅 Join us for the next Huddle Luncheon in Oceanside on Wednesday, March 26th.

👉 Visit the link in our bio to learn more and RSVP today!

#HomelessResources

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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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