Tis the season to give – and to give back to those who serve the community.
For 125 years, the Denver Rescue Mission has served the homeless and poor through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs and community outreach. On Thursday, Dec. 21, proceeds from the silent auction at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Net90 holiday party will benefit the rescue mission – our 2017 Large Nonprofit of the Year.
We caught up with Denver Rescue Mission President and CEO Brad Meuli about the organization’s past and their future.
Growing impact in 2017. During their milestone 125th year, the Denver Rescue Mission opened its third shelter in the Denver metro area, the Holly Center, in November. With the addition of these 228 beds, they can sleep more than 800 men each night. These are the first permanent shelter beds for men in the Denver since 1989, Meuli said.
“We’ve heard feedback that staying at the Holly Center has helped many men find more stability because they’re able to sign up for a bed for one week at a time (instead of every night) and leave their items in storage while they go to work,” he added. “This facility is important to our ongoing mission to help the most vulnerable in our city.”
To address challenges like homelessness, working together is critical. “You truly need a team effort from the entire community,” Meuli said. “In particular, our membership in the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has made a significant impact.”
Volunteers are their “life blood.” In fact, there are 16,000 active volunteers for the Denver Rescue Mission helping do everything from serving meals to tutoring children. “Our volunteers make a tremendous impact on the people we serve,” Meuli said. “When our guests and program participants see that these volunteers – strangers, really – show care and concern for their wellbeing, this lifts their spirit and helps gives them hope.”
And, you can give back to the Denver Rescue Mission at Net90 – or anytime during the year.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Serve a meal. There were more than 830,000 meals served in 2016.
- Volunteer as a mentor, tutor or worship leader (the rescue mission is a faith-based organization).
- Give. Whether it’s hygiene products, winter coats and furniture or financial donations, Meuli said they rely on the generosity of the community.
- Be an advocate. “If you see someone on the streets, let them know that the mission is here to help – we offer meals to anyone who is hungry 365 days a year,” Meuli said. “Once inside, guests have a chance to learn more about our long-term services and programs and connect with our staff.”
They’ve spent the last year reflecting on the past, but they’re looking to the future. “The mission’s vision for the future would continue to look like this, helping thousands of people each year, reconnecting families, educating those who missed the opportunity, establishing life-skills and connecting people to employment,” Meuli said.
Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Chamber.