As we prepare this July newsletter the first 100 degree day is in the forecast. The chance of rain is 0% and the air is so dry it seems to suck the moisture out of a person’s body. Many of us can retreat from the July heat into an air-conditioned home or apartment, but our homeless friends living on the streets are in dire straits.

While many come to the Mission’s doors and find cold water, swamp-cooler chilled air, and refreshing showers, others – for reasons including severe anxiety, addiction, PTSD, lack of trust, and crippling fear – remain on the streets. They haven’t experienced the love and healing power that Jesus brings, and are stuck in a rut, living in camps or alone outside in the smothering, dry heat.

This is why a big part of Operation Hydration is outreach. Our staff and volunteer teams travel to area homeless camps. We share Care Kits – which include things like water, hats, and sunscreen – with those living in camps and invite them to come to the Rescue Mission where they can relax, get cool, cleaned off, and hydrated. They can obtain the physical care they need, as well as finding loving people, biblical teaching about Jesus, sobriety, employment, and self-sustained housing.

So please continue to support Operation Hydration this summer. You can volunteer to visit homeless camps, or serve meals in our dining hall. You can collect supplies like water bottles, hats, sunscreen, lip balm, and lightweight long-sleeve shirts and drop them off at the Rescue Mission – 463 S. 400 W. in downtown Salt Lake City.

And you can also give. Donate online at RescueSaltLake.org, or call 801-746-1006 to make a secure credit card donation over the phone. Your support can help save a life from being lost to extreme heat and introduce a homeless person to Jesus!