For over 131 years, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission (MRM) has served hundreds of thousands of Milwaukeeans in crisis – many struggling with hunger, addiction, homelessness and other hardships.
“Transformation often starts with a meal,” says Patrick Vanderburgh, President and CEO of MRM. “Once you meet the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, guests will feel comfortable and safe, and that opens the door to transformational programming like counseling, job training, spiritual support and more – a holistic approach that prepares people for success.”
A recent MRM graduate, Jeff, knows the impact of this approach firsthand. He grew up in a household clouded by drug abuse, his own mother and father passing away from overdoses when he was in high school. “It made me feel alone, like the odds were stacked up against me,” he says. Jeff began using in his late teens.
Eventually, his addiction spiraled out of control – until his wife encouraged him to reach out to MRM. Through nutritious meals, safe shelter and other essentials, Jeff regained his strength and clarity and went on to join MRM’s recovery program – receiving spiritual counseling, mentorship, addiction recovery support, and more. Today, he is sober, gainfully employed and a part of a loving family.
Last year, MRM served over 320,000 meals, provided nearly 64,000 nights of shelter and placed over 200 individuals in stable housing. Financial donations to MRM make the biggest impact, but there are many ways to give, including donating items of need.
“When struggling neighbors come in from the cold to a warm place with lots of friendly folks who care for them, they know they are being supported by the community,” says Vanderburgh. “That can really do something for someone who has been wandering. It restores hope.”
What We Do
- The Milwaukee Rescue Mission (MRM) serves men, women and children who are homeless or in need through three programs: Safe Harbor, its shelter for men; Joy House, its shelter for women and children; and Cross Trainers Academy, its K4-12th grade Christian school for at-risk children.
- MRM’s comprehensive programs – including education, job training, addiction recovery, biblical instruction, Christian counseling and life skills classes – provide opportunities to make lasting changes in the lives of those MRM serves.
Where Your Money Goes
- MRM receives no government funding for its shelter programs and depends on support from the community. Donations provide food, shelter and life-changing care to men, women and children in need.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
830 N. 19th St. | 414-344-2211
milmission.org
