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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

2024 Fall Grads

2024 Spring Grads

Student Success Stories

Roberta, Mission Academy

Rosanna, Mission Academy

Marisa, Mission Academy

Ty, Mission Academy

Angel, Mission Academy

Antoinette, Mission Academy

Brett, Mission Academy

GIVE NOW

Change Lives Today

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

Let’s Get Social.

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Mar 25

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Mar 22

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Ever wonder how simple running shoes could change someone's life?

Up and Running helps people facing homelessness regain confidence by training for half marathons. Runners build discipline, self-belief, and hope through the program. Each year, over 100 participants finish the race, proving they can overcome challenges and start anew.

Right now, our Mission Academy students are training for the upcoming San Diego Half Marathon. Thanks to the generosity of Fleet Feet San Diego—who donated 13 pairs of running shoes—our runners now have the shoes they need to race with confidence. This support is more than just shoes; it’s a gift of encouragement that inspires hope and change.

Please pray for our students as they complete their half marathon later this month and learn more about our Mission Academy residential program though the link in our bio.

@upandrunningagain @fleetfeetsandiego

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Mar 19

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🌷 Bring in the Easter season with hope 🌷

This Easter, give more than just a meal—give the gift of new life. Every donation of just $2.72 provides a hot meal and so much more to a person in need.

With every act of generosity, you offer our hurting and homeless neighbors the hope and support they need to start anew.

👉 Give today and make this Easter unforgettable for someone in need. Together, we can make a difference! Link in our bio.

#HomelessResources

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Mar 15

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Join us for our next Huddle in North County!

🗓️ When: Wednesday, March 26th at 12pm
📍 Where: Oceanside Navigation Center
🌮 Cost: $15 Meal Fee

Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on homelessness with CEO Donnie Dee and Mayor Rebecca Jones of San Marcos! Get the latest updates about the Mission, discover ways to get involved, and enjoy a delicious taco lunch. 🌮

📣 RSVP Now! Click the link in our bio.

#HomelessResources

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Mar 13

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“We have to figure something out for our baby. Being homeless is not comfortable.” – Taylor, Oceanside Navigation Center Guest

Taylor, a guest at the Oceanside Navigation Center, never imagined she and her young daughter would be homeless. After their living situation fell apart when their roommates couldn’t accommodate a baby, Taylor and her partner found themselves in a desperate situation.

Referred to the Navigation Center through a local church, their lives began to transform. Her partner secured steady work, and Taylor started EMT training—both key steps toward a brighter future. “He's able to get to work on time, have a good night's sleep, and take a shower... I started EMT school. They give us all the resources and so much support—jobs, housing, everything we need.”

Your generous support changes lives. Thank you for being a beacon of hope for families throughout the County. Learn more about our emergency shelters through the link in our bio.

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Mar 11

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Steven and Harvey found a way off the streets thanks to your support.

Our system of care is a comprehensive approach. It offers food, shelter, and resources, guiding homeless neighbors toward healing and self-sufficiency. Your generosity changes lives.

By adding new 30-day shelters, which we call Lighthouses, we’ve added 212 beds across the county. Once safe, guests can transition to long-term housing, or Mission Academy, where they can rebuild their lives, just like Steven and Harvey did.

Your support powers programs like strategic community outreach, Lighthouse emergency shelters, Mission Academy, and more. See the impact you’re making through the Impact Report links in our bio.

#FromStreetsToStability

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Mar 7

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🚗 Big thanks to Hoehn Motors for their incredible generosity! 🚗

This new vehicle will help us bring hope to people experiencing homelessness at the San Diego Rescue Mission.

We’re deeply grateful for their donation.

Additionally, we want to extend a special thank you to the Bill and Susan Hoehn family, who underwrote the 5th floor remodel of our residential program downtown. Their support is making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

📸 Photo: SDRM CEO Donnie Dee & Sean Conner, General Manager, Hoehn Motors

Want to make an impact too? If you have a used car, van, or vehicle to donate, you can help change lives today! It’s easy, and your donation goes a long way in supporting those in need. Follow the Car Donation link in our bio.

#HoehnMotors #CarDonation #HomelessResources @hoehnmotors

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Mar 6

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Isaac’s Journey to Mission Academy

Isaac arrived at the South County Lighthouse shelter with a strong desire to rebuild his life. He came seeking a long-term program that would help him develop new skills and give him the structure to improve his future. From the start, Isaac stood out for his kindness, his willingness to assist those around him, and his strong motivation to change his life.

In January, Isaac took the next step by joining Mission Academy, our year-long residential program designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness achieve long-term stability. At Mission Academy, there are five key goals that guide students throughout their journey: Encounter God, Experience Recovery, Engage in Job Training and Placement, Establish Housing, and Enlist a Support Network.

Please keep Isaac in your prayers this month, and take a moment to explore more inspiring stories of lives changed through the link in our bio.

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Mar 4

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“Our church is so blessed! Without the support of the San Diego Rescue Mission, we wouldn't be able to serve those in need of a warm meal.” #HungerReliefPartner

Our Partners for Hunger Relief program fights food insecurity in San Diego by redistributing “rescued food” that would otherwise be discarded. The collected food feeds people in our programs and the surplus is distributed to non-profit food pantries countywide.

Our Partners for Hunger Relief program rescues millions of pounds of nutritious food each year that would otherwise go to waste.

In 2024, we recovered 2.3 million pounds of food and served 295,162 nourishing meals. 🍽️Your support helps men, women, and children facing food insecurity and homelessness in San Diego. 🏡

Let's remember the importance of nutritious food. 🍎 Your contributions ensure access to healthy meals for those in need. #NationalNutritionMonth #HomelessResources

Partner with us, click the link in our bio.

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Mar 2

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Feb 27

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For broken people to heal, they need a place that feels hopeful. Your gift provides a safe shelter built with excellence and care. Your care changes lives. Donate now, link in our bio.

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Feb 26

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It’s employee of the month time!

Congrats to Ryan, our Donor Services Manager! Ryan exemplifies faith, integrity, compassion, and excellence every day. From uplifting colleagues with prayer to going above and beyond in every task, his servant heart and dedication shine through…Plus, his happy dance shuffle always brings a smile to the team!

Want to make a difference? We’re hiring for Development roles and more – apply now! 💼 visit the career link in our bio.

📸 Ryan working the line at our recent Christmas Community Meal

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #JoinOurTeam

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Feb 21

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"I was determined to step out of my comfort zone…" — A powerful testimony from one of our guests, Mark, who just transitioned from our 30-day South County Lighthouse shelter to our downtown Mission Academy 12-month rehabilitation program.

Before entering the Rescue Mission, Mark felt overwhelmed by life. "Drinking heavily only made things worse, creating more problems than I could handle. I felt hopeless and embarrassed, longing for reassurance that everything would be okay."

Mark is now in our Mission Academy residential program that helps individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. Here, he will learn to replace destructive patterns with healthy habits, practice self-forgiveness, and rely on others for support. Through daily devotions, Biblical counseling, job training and life skills classes, Mark’s life is on a path to recovery.

His story is one of courage and he hopes it will inspire others who may be facing similar struggles.

Let’s continue to support each other, embrace new beginnings, and believe in second chances. 💙 Pray for Mark as he steps into this new chapter at Mission Academy, seeking strength, healing, and guidance on his journey of transformation. 🙏

To learn more about us, visit the links in our bio.

#Hope #MissionAcademy #HomelessReources

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Feb 14

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Feb 13

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

The San Diego Rescue Mission urgently needs new twin bed sheets as we expand our services to support men, women, and families experiencing homelessness in several locations.

Can you help provide comfort for our guests and students by donating a fresh set of sheets?

You can shop our Amazon Wish List and have donations shipped directly to us. Link in bio.

Thank you for your kindness and continued support!

#DonationsNeeded #UnshelteredNeighbors #HomelessResources

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Feb 11

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It’s winning play for our community!

We are beyond thrilled to share that we’ve received a $50,000 donation from Big League Impact, thanks to Craig Stammen’s win in their MLB Players Only Fantasy Football Charity League!⚾️

This generous donation will help individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Diego. The funds will provide shelter, meals, job training, healthcare, and more to those in need.💙

A HUGE thank you to Craig and Big League Impact for their incredible support. We couldn’t do it without you! 🙏

Read more about our ongoing partnership with the Padres on the Mission Blog link in our bio.

#BigLeagueImpact #CommunitySupport #HomelessResources #SDPadres

#BigLeagueImpact #CommunitySupport #HomelessResources #SDPadres
@bigleagueimpact

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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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