Salina Rescue Mission Release
Homelessness is on the rise across the country—and right here in Salina. Nationally, homelessness has increased by 18% over the past year, driven by rising housing costs and inflation. Those living on fixed incomes are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet.
At the Salina Rescue Mission, we see the impact every day. In 2024, we served 66,800 meals—three meals a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Our kitchen never closes. As the only program of its kind in the region, our meals are open not just to our shelter guests, but to anyone in the community in need of a hot, nutritious meal.
We also provided nightly shelter for an average of 75 men per night last year—and today, that number has risen to between 80 and 85 nightly. Behind each number is a person with a story—a story of struggle, of survival, and of hope.
The causes of homelessness are complex: mental health crises, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, lack of life skills, poverty, and unaffordable housing all play a role. While meals and beds meet immediate survival needs, we know that real, lasting change takes time, effort, and God's grace.
That’s why the Salina Rescue Mission offers three core programs designed to help men move forward:
Supportive Health Program – This program helps men with disabilities stabilize their health. In the past year, we helped cover 135 doctor visits and filled 297 prescriptions—laying the groundwork for recovery and growth.
Employment Program – From resume writing and interview skills to budgeting and financial responsibility, we equip men to gain—and keep—employment. Hundreds have found jobs and taken steps toward financial independence through this program.
New Life Program – For men battling life-controlling issues like addiction, anger, and trauma, this Christ-centered, long-term program offers hope. Through faith in Jesus, biblical counseling, and personal responsibility, men rebuild their lives from the inside out.
In every program, we focus on helping individuals understand the root causes that led them to homelessness, then walk alongside them as they pursue a better future—with God at the center.
We also help meet practical needs, including clothing, laundry, ID assistance, and connecting individuals to healthcare and mental health services, including addiction support. Additionally, our Street Outreach Ministry actively reaches out to those still living on the streets, offering compassion and resources to guide them toward help and healing.
And we do all of this without government funding—relying instead on the generosity of our community. In fact, 70% of our support comes from individuals who care deeply about their neighbors in need.
A Special Opportunity to Give:
Summer is one of the most challenging times for fundraising, even as needs remain high. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a special opportunity:
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, every gift given in June will be matched—dollar for dollar—up to $50,000.
That means your gift goes twice as far to provide food, shelter, recovery, and hope to those who are struggling.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life, this is your moment. We invite you to come alongside us as we share God’s love and extend hope, healing, and restoration to those in need. Give today online at: www.salinarescuemission.com
Or mail your gift to: Salina Rescue Mission P.O. Box 1667 Salina, KS 67402-1667