Visalia Rescue Mission

There will always be individuals finding themselves in emergency situations, either due to their own choices or circumstances outside of their control (employment, family, housing, and other issues).

Day after day, we demonstrate *possibility* to our guests and residents; the possibility of different opportunities, habits, family dynamics, sobriety and more.

We will also be here for the "least of these" in our community, offering what's needed and the accountability to see each person's process through to restoration.

1. "It starts with a meal." The old adage is true -- no one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. Our Community Kitchen is the first step on the staircase of life-change.

2. For individuals finding themselves homeless for the first time, a shelter full of strangers is welcome compared to the dangers of the unknown and dark streets. By providing a bed, shower, laundry facilities and connection to our Case Managers, our overnight guests have the very means to change their immediate situation, and hopefully, their life.

3. For many, a recovery program is needed to not only find sobriety, but the tools to live life on life's terms. Our 12-month Life Change Academy includes room, board, curriculum, counseling, and job-skills training. Upon graduation, there are transitional housing and internship opportunities. Many of our graduates find such relief just by living in community with others just like them.

As a non-profit organization with a 37-year history in the community, we have thousands of active donors supporting us on a regular basis. Also, due to our solid reputation, we have attracted talented leadership, both at a staff and board level.

In 2015, we cut nearly $300,000 from our operating expenses. We have simultaneously streamlined operations -- focusing staff time, energy and resources on our ministry.

In 2017, we served a record number of meals in our community kitchen and accommodated a record number of men, women and children in our overnight shelters.

In the immediate future, we are creating a plan to complete our facilities, in order to best utilize our resources and best serve our guests and residents. Primarily, we are in need of an elevator in our Community Center before we can complete and utilize the second story.