Courtnee’s Story: I’m Happy When They’re Happy
“This place helps good families who want to actually go out and make a change in this world.”
Alex’s Story: “I’m finally where I’ve always wanted to be.”
“The way that the Mission has helped me is the reason I’m here now. I am a testament to the good work being done here.”
A refuge for those
with no place to turn
“You can help a hurting neighbor rebuild their life.”
With your help and generosity we are Serving the Homeless and Hurting in
Tacoma & Pierce County
Since 1912, the Mission has been offering God’s Help, Hope and Healing to the most impoverished members of our community. Your gift of any amount makes a difference for the men and women who are hurting and homeless in Tacoma & Pierce County. Give simply and securely by clicking any of the gifts below.
Your Gifts Provide Crucial Care & Tools to
Help Our Neighbors in Dire Need Rebuild Their LiVES
Right now, individuals and families suffering in homelessness are desperate for a new beginning. Life-changing resources, like the ones below, help to equip and empower our vulnerable neighbors to escape homelessness and step into a better future.
Daily Meals
Daily Meals
“I thought there was no love for me out there anymore, but I was wrong. There is, and I found that in a meal.”
– James
Shelter
Shelter
“If this place did not exist, our baby would have died. That’s a hard, medical fact.”
– Dave
Job Readiness
Job Readiness
“The staff at the Mission gave me a voice . . . they kept encouraging me and more.”
– Jason
Education
Education
“The Mission helped me be more than I was. Without the confidence I now have with my GED, I wouldn’t be where I am.” – Paul
Addiction Recovery
Addiction Recovery
“This program is what made the difference. It’s not a clean and sober program, it’s discipleship.”
– Morgan
Faith Formation
Faith Formation
“I felt like there were chains holding me down. I didn’t know I could ask Jesus to release me. I can breathe now. Before, I felt dead.” – Kathleen
Mental Health
Mental Health
“I learned where my behaviors came from. Why I was so angry and defensive. It helped me have goals and achieve them.” – Amanda
Veteran Services
Veteran Services
“My life was getting bleaker. Being here gave me hope. You can really see the staff’s dedication to helping veterans like me.” – Justin
Youth Services
Youth Services
“Without the Mission, I wouldn’t be graduating.”
– Tre’von,
Age 17
Accomplishments From This Past Year
253,925 Meals served
3,076 Men, women and children equipped and empowered with life-changing help
26 Men and women graduated from our New Life Recovery program
366Families and individuals left the Mission and entered stable housing
125 Men and women obtained jobs or increased income
What’s happening at Tacoma Rescue MissionSTORIES, NEWS & EVENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Check below to keep up on the latest news, events and stories about what is happening at Tacoma Rescue Mission. See how your involvement and partnership is changing lives and impacting our community.
ALEX’s Story
I’m Finally Where I’ve Always Wanted to Be
I’ve always known I wanted to go into social work and work with people that shared my past and things that I’ve dealt with. My mentor back when I was at the Mission as a kid, Ben, was so pivotal to my life for so long as a father figure. The Mission gave me him. Now, I’m in the mentor role. I really am in the career that I’ve been wanting for a long time. It’s always been my passion and my goal.
I’m finally where I’ve always wanted to be. The mission gave me that, too. The way that the Mission has helped me is the reason I’m here now. I am a testament to the good work being done here. The Mission gave me what I needed as a kid and just knowing that it has always been here, if I ever needed it. I share that with my guys, my clients.
Courtnee’s Story
I’m Happy When They’re Happy
I grew up in Tacoma, but I’m from Mississippi. I went back to take care of my grandpa all the way from Tacoma with my five kids. I worked two jobs, took care of my grandpa, and the kids until he passed away. Coming back to Tacoma, I had things lined up. My housing voucher transferred to Mississippi and I was told it would transfer back to Washington, no problem.
But, when we got back, they said “I don’t know why you were told that. Your voucher’s closed. Good luck reapplying.” I came back with deposit money. I thought, “I’ll pay my deposit, get in housing, then figure out a car and employment.”
My voucher not transferring put me in a really big bind. I had to spend my deposit money on hotel fees just to make sure we had a roof over our heads. I didn’t have money for childcare. The jobs I applied for didn’t want to hire me because I’m pregnant. I’m high risk.
Martina’s Story
Survivor to Overcomer
I was homeless at the beginning of last year in winter. I stayed in a tent for three nights. I knew if I stayed there, I was not going to survive. It was so cold. I had plenty of blankets, but it took literally four hours to warm up, even with all the blankets. And then I had to choose whether I wanted to breathe or keep my nose warm.
I found out about the Mission’s New Life Recovery Program at a shelter in Yakima. I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Everybody told me that the people who go through it come out changed. I knew I wanted change. I didn’t know what that change was, but I knew I needed it . . .
The Tacoma Rescue Mission legacySERVING THE HURTING & HOMELESS FOR OVER 100 YEARS
The Tacoma Rescue Mission is proud to have served Tacoma and Pierce County since 1912. For over 100 years we have continued to serve in the name of Christ, while emphasizing the dignity of each person who enters our doors. We value the needs of our immediate community, and continually adapt to the changing needs of those who come to us for help.
< Swipe left to right to explore the timeline >
A GROUP OF CARING TACOMANS START THE MISSION AS A SMALL SOUP KITCHEN ON PACIFIC AVE
Tacoma Commons Mission | 1912
THE MISSION GROWS AND PURCHASES ITS FIRST BUILDING ON 1512 PACIFIC AVE
Tacoma Rescue Mission | 1939
A SAFE HAVEN IS BUILT FOR SINGLE WOMEN & FAMILIES IN CRISIS
The Emergency Family Shelter | 1971
THE INN PROVIDES ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY FOR YOUTH SURVIVING ON THE STREETS
The Inn Youth Walk-In Center | 1988
FREE COUNSELING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED THROUGH THE MISSION’S PRISON CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM
Chaplaincy Program | 1920
HOPE HOME IS FOUNDED TO HELP WOMEN WITH EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL TRAUMA
Hope Home | 1960’s
THE DOWNTOWN TACOMA CAMPUS OPENS TO HELP REACH EVEN MORE PEOPLE IN NEED
Tacoma Rescue Mission | 2001
Need Help? Tacoma Rescue Mission Is Here
We offer meals and emergency shelter for men, women and families or guardians with children. We also provide long-term recovery and educational services to those in need in our community.
