Spring is here. The Rescue Mission remains open as an alternative to sleeping on the streets. In fact, this past week a bus rolled to a stop in front of our Ogden facility. Nine people were required to disembark before it drove away. The nine individuals walked in our door and asked for help.

The Rescue Mission’s facilities are packed full and at times we even must turn people away, when we reach our full capacity as allowed by the Salt Lake County Fire Marshal. Our New Life Recovery Program is filling as well.

During this time, when so many need help, we are facing unprecedented need for food, safe shelter, and access to our free New Life Program that helps people off the streets and into faith, sobriety, employment, and housing.

This month, then, I am asking that you prayerfully consider how you might help the homeless who have lost access to shelter and are coming to our doors. Could you raid your pantry and bring cans of food to the Rescue Mission? Could you organize a food drive at your church or place of business or amongst your friend group and donate the food items to the Mission?

As you consider spring cleaning, could you donate old blankets or sleeping bags that we could give to people when our shelter is at max capacity? Could you share clothing that you don’t wear anymore?

With your support we can continue to meet this great need. Besides the above ideas (and others all our creative donors may come up with) you can also give today by donating online at RescueSaltLake.org, or over-the-phone via credit card by calling our Donor Relations Office at 801.746.1006. We have been blessed with a matching April-May matching gift challenge, so your support is doubled in April and May, up to a total pledged amount of $50,000, creating double the benefit for our homeless friends who are struggling to find shelter off the streets.

Thank you in advance for your help this Spring and God bless you!

Chris D. Croswhite

Executive Director