August 31, 2025 was a sobering day here at the Rescue Mission. It is designated as International Overdose Awareness Day, a global moment to remember those who have died from accidental overdoses, whether from drugs or alcohol.

Recent data from Utah underscores the urgency of our mission. In 2023, 606 Utahns died by drug overdose, the highest total in state history and drug overdose was the leading cause of death among Utahns experiencing homelessness.

These numbers make clear that addiction is a matter of life and death. That reality drives us to respond not only with compassion, but with intentional, life-saving action.

At the Rescue Mission we fight the battle against addition every day and will continue to help through:

Sharing life-saving hope. Through the New Life Program, we share the message of redemption and purpose at every stage of recovery, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and find faith.

Personalized care and accountability. Our three-phase model—stabilization, education, and implementation—ensures each person receives spiritual, emotional, and practical support to heal and thrive in community.

Emergency services as front-line ministry. We are here 24/7, offering not only meals, shelter, showers, and clean clothes, but also spiritual presence: daily Bible study, chapel, mentoring, and Christ-centered companionship.

Partnerships when needed. When participants require psychiatric or medical care beyond our scope, we collaborate with trusted agencies to ensure they receive the full range of support needed for recovery.

Faith-driven advocacy. We pray, we love, and we act. We remain steadfast in faith that redemption and life are possible through Jesus Christ, even in the darkest of circumstances. Our mission— restoring lives and ending homelessness in the name of Jesus Christ—calls us to care for the whole person: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Please join us in this effort and help by:

Telling others about the Rescue Mission. Help others understand why faith-based recovery matters. It could be as easy as sharing this newsletter with a friend.

Volunteering or mentoring. Bring presence, prayer, and life to those who need help.

Giving generously. Every donation helps sustain meals, shelter, counseling, and the New Life Program as we help people permanently off the streets. You keep our doors open and together we help people off our streets.

Lifting us, and our homeless friends, up in prayer. Ask that God would continue rescuing, healing, and restoring lives and that those we serve would have the strength to face their life issues and the desire to change.

Thank you and God bless you,
Chris D. Croswhite
Executive Director