Milwaukee Rescue Mission

Thank you for generously giving to help Milwaukee's hurting and homeless!

When homeless men or women with children are ready to rebuild their lives, they often need short- and long-term assistance, counseling, help in overcoming substance abuse, job training, and so much more. Without comprehensive solutions to the troubles they face, they may quickly find themselves back on the streets, without hope.   We serve this community through three areas:

 

SAFE HARBOR - The men’s programs at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission give our guests the strength and support to transform their lives. Our educational and vocational counseling, addiction recovery programs, biblical instruction, and life-skills training give them a ticket off the streets . . . and into a future brimming with potential.

 

JOY HOUSE - The women and children who come to us for emergency or long-term support rely on the safety, love and warmth of Joy House and its many services. We nourish and nurture them through training, education and spiritual guidance so they can make better lives for themselves — and for their kids.

 

CROSS TRAINERS ACADEMY - The best, most proven way out of poverty is a good education. We provide that to at-risk children through Cross Trainers Academy, where students are groomed for success and leadership through more than just academics, but life lessons about morals and character through Christian teaching..

 

In 2014, we helped thousands of individuals in our community by providing food, shelter, clothing, academic instruction, spiritual guidance and long-term recovery programs. Here are some of the outcomes that were made possible thanks to donors in this community:

*292,771 meals served to hungry men, women and children

*114,602 nights of safe lodging provided

*136 graduations from long-term programs in Safe Harbor and Joy House

*1,108 professions of faith from men, women and children

*7,267 volunteers dedicated 18,104 hours to help our guests and residents

*9,380 hours of academic education completed by men and women

*15,948 hours of Job Training completed by men and women

*31,145 articles of clothing distributed to men, women and children

*Men in Safe Harbor repaid $20,206 in debts, including child support, back taxes, utilties and more in 2014 alone and have repaid $354,762 since 1997.

A FRESH START!

Deidre grew up in a broken home, bouncing from her mom’s house to her dad’s and back again.

“I never really felt loved,” she says. “My mom struggled with drugs, and pretty much forced me to take care of the household, including my younger siblings. I feel like I missed out on my childhood.”

Deidre made good grades and looked forward to going to college. She wanted to major in business. But when financial problems hit, she dropped out. She ended up partying, working low paying jobs and moving from house to house, wherever she could find a place to lay her head. Eventually, there were no more places to turn.

“I was 20 years old and five months pregnant,” she remembers. “I was scared, but I wanted a fresh start.”

Someone told Deidre about Joy House, the family shelter at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. When she arrived, all she had were the clothes on her back. At Joy House she received new socks, underwear, pajamas, lotion and body wash — “things I had been wishing for all my life.”

"They took me in, not knowing anything about me,” Deidre says. “They treated me better than anyone ever had. They treated me like I was one of their own.”

Her son was born in August 2013. She got a job at OfficeMax, where she’s now on track to move into management. She’s been saving her money, and she’s now engaged to her son’s father.

“I’ve grown up a lot, I’ve found Christ and I’m ready to move on — so someone else who needs it can take my spot. None of this could’ve happened without the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and friends like you. Thank you!”