San Diego Rescue Mission

The San Diego Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered residential recovery and rehabilitation program for men, women and children suffering from the effects of homelessness, addiction, poverty, neglect and other forms of abuse and trauma.  Utilizing a trauma-informed care approach to addressing the holistic needs of the mind, body and soul, students learn to confront and overcome the problems that led to their situation in the first place.  The Mission also operates an overnight emergency shelter for women and children (Nueva Vida Haven), a licensed Christian preschool and Partners for the Hungry – a food distribution program for local food banks and church pantries. 

What is your organization’s vision for ministry? 

a. Our Vision – To see God transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness, impacting San Diego one life at a time. 

b. Our Mission – To lovingly address the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness, by sharing the Good News of salvation and providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery.  

Describe the focus of your ministry – the past year’s activities and goals for the coming year. The focus of our ministry is getting men, women and children off the streets permanently. Our five goals for every student are that they Encounter God, Experience Recovery, Engage in Job Training and Placement, Establish Housing, and Enlist a Support Network.    

This past year we aligned all of our programs into one main program – A Mission Academy where students (no longer called clients) come to learn about themselves, God and His plan for their lives.  Students take part in three semesters of four months each:  Wellness, Job Training and Education, and Employment, along with an optional 6-month semester of Graduate (transitional) Housing.  This past year also saw the launch of a church partnership program under the leadership of Michelle Le Beau and we began a series of exciting building renovations.    

Our goals right now are re-opening strong after COVID-19 restrictions, continued renovations of our building, relaunching our Spiritual Training program (including bi-weekly chapel services and mentoring), continued training for our entire staff in Trauma-Informed Care, and launching a program that provides one-to-one friendship and guidance for people still living on at streets (Walk With Me) or in difficult situations. 

​​Prayer Requests: 

For staff to be encouraged and not experience burnout

For students to overcome challenges that prevent their change and healing

That the Lord would stir powerfully in the Rescue Mission, causing all the students in the Academy and the guests of our shelter to fully rely on His goodness and grace to overcome the darkness