what HAPPENED TO THE OLD MISSION BUILDING?

In January 2017, the Rescue Mission was forced to relocate as our 100-year old building on Canal Street was not up to code.  At that time, we had a capacity of about 30-40 beds in our system.  For two months, Christian Life Center graciously allowed us to use their youth room to house our men's program.  In three short years, we have expanded to 130 beds and 17 locations throughout the City of Merced and the County. The Mission still often has a waiting list.

why does the mission need a campus?

The number of people who are homeless in Merced County has continued to grow. The number of people on waiting lists for Mission programs also continues to grow. The Rescue Mission, in collaboration with area churches, the City of Merced, the County of Merced, and other not-for-profit organizations are making a concerted effort to meet the needs of those who are unhoused. The County built a Navigation Center which is operated by the Mission, and houses 76 people. The City developed an affordable living complex with 130 units. The Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope campus provides residential programs to help people who are homeless take the next steps toward independence. The Village of Hope is an important component in collaboratively addressing the issue of homelessness and working towards significantly decreasing the number of people who find themselves unhoused.

The Merced County Rescue Mission is recognized as an important participant in addressing the needs of people who are unhoused in our county.  What sets the Rescue Mission apart is that we are not only a low-cost provider of services, but as an arm of the Church, the Mission unabashedly provides services in the name of Christ!  In December 2018, we were able to purchase 5 acres of land two blocks south of the Merced County Fair Grounds.  The Mission is excited about the opportunity to expand our services with our campus, which will better meet the needs of our county.

The Mission wants to thank all of you, who as supporters of the Mission, provide a strong base on which we can move forward and build for the future.  God is doing great work through the Mission; lives are being powerfully changed and you are an important part of this. 

You can make a difference! Donate today to the Building Hope Campaign, simply click here, choose an amount, then choose Village of Hope, Phase II. Changing lives through life transformation is the primary focus of the Mission. Thank you for your support.