The Dream…

A new Women & Children’s Center capable of serving all of the women and children that come to our doors for help.

Our Dream...

Wow! A lot has happened in just the last few months towards solving our problem.

At the annual Board of Director's Retreat held in March 2007, we felt God was asking us to move forward with His plan. We were not certain what His plan was, but we knew the problem - the tragedy of homelessness that effects us all.

Gospel Rescue Mission has been serving the homeless in Tucson since 1953. Yet here we are in 2008 and for several years now we have been turning away anywhere from five to twenty-five women everyday who are looking for shelter and safety, many with children.

Saying no to one... is one to many

So, we stepped out in faith with a dream to address the issue of never having to say "No room in the INN" to another woman or child.

Recently, we have purchased our new Women's Transitional House, and we now have a contract to purchase a Motel that will more than double our current capabilities.

With your help we can solve this city-wide problem of sheltering the least, the last, and the lost. I hope you take this opportunity to join us by making a financial gift to make this dream a reality. Become part of the answer. Give Generously.


Bart Schannep
Gospel Rescue Mission Board President

The Need…

Since it’s beginning in 1953, Gospel Rescue Mission’s primary concern was to serve the homeless men that came to our shelter each day. There didn’t seem to be a need for shelter services for women and children during our earlier years of service in Tucson.

However, in the early 90’s, representatives from the different law enforcement agencies were knocking at the door of the Gospel Rescue Mission men’s shelter asking for help with the abused women and children, they had rescued from their homes to avoid further harm.

Recognizing the need, the Mission took in as many as they could… when they could. But a men’s shelter really was not the ideal place for women and their children.

In order to address this very real need to help hurting women and children, Gospel Rescue Mission purchased a 20 unit motel on Miracle Mile in 1991. Formally know as the Bethany House, women and children in crises found safety and security while receiving the shelter, food and clothing they needed.

In the beginning we averaged between 10 to 15 guests a night at our Women and Children’s Center.

In 2005 that number jumped by over 170%. From the years 2004 to 2006 our Women and Children’s Center averaged over 40 women and children each night.

The Vision...

In 2007, Gospel Rescue Mission had to turn down over 5,000 requests for shelter from women and children, because we simply had no room.

Two trends are largely responsible for this rise in homelessness over the past 20-25 years:

• a growing shortage of affordable housing
• a simultaneous increase in poverty.

In 2005 36% of all persons living in poverty were children.
(National Coalition for Homelessness)

• High Rent Burdens
• Overcrowding
• and Substandard Housing.

These phenomena, in turn, have not only forced many people into becoming homeless; they have put a large number of people at risk of becoming homeless.

The Plan...

Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs.

Whatever the causes might be for women and children to become homeless; as Christian brothers and sisters we are called to care for the poor, oppressed, and the least of these.

In Psalm 72:12-14, the Lord reminds us just how important the poor and needy are to Him. This Bible verse has become our anchor verse to support our vision to increase our ministry facilities to care for all of the men, women and children that come to us for help.



According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, “In January 2005, of the 744,313 homeless nationwide, 56% were living in shelters and transitional houses and shockingly, 44% were unsheltered.”

5 to 25 Fund

The numbers 5 to 25 have become a rally cry for our mission...

Normally, a non-profit organization would first conduct a feasibility study to determine if a capital fund-raising drive would be in order before making any expansive decision. The organization would consult with community and governmental leaders, business people, and wealthy donors. It would develop a strategic fund-raising plan and begin work on raising the capital money needed.

Realistically, if we operated the way the world does it:

• We wouldn't be headed towards the vision of new facilities right now.
• We wouldn't have made it past the feasibility study.
• We wouldn't be asking for donations of this magnitude in today's economy.

Fortunately... that's not how the Mission operates. We consult with God.

“I was losing my sanity to drugs. My reality and thinking was all messed up.”

— Sharon
30 year old mother of two

“For more than 20 years all I had was my addiction…I felt like there was no one who really cared if I lived or died.”

— Rebecca
40 year old restoration and recovery student

“Thanks to Jesus I now have hope… thank you Gospel Rescue Mission
for not giving up on me.”

— Maria
20 year old recovery student

“I can trust my Mom now… I know that she loves me more than
alcohol… thank you Jesus.”

— Annie
14 year old daughter of restoration student

We are but the vessels He pours His blessings through... to the poor and the oppressed in our community. We know it's not us... it's Him through us... and through YOU.

No one comes to the Mission doors by mistake. God brings each man, woman and child here on a divine appointment. He wants to touch hearts, change lives, and bring glory to Himself in a life redeemed.

We are convinced that, since God is bringing the women and children... more than we can serve... and that we are to walk in faith and trust Him for the resources to meet this need. Then providing the resources to meet the need is His part of the equation.

The need of 4 million dollars is very large to us... however, it's not so large to God. There may very well be several people who could write a check for the full amount. We believe that God does have several people who will be making substantial gifts to the 5 to 25 Fund.

We also believe that God will bring thousands of His people and churches together in smaller amounts to share in the blessings of His great work at the Mission. I don't know who any of these people are, but GOD DOES.

If God is tugging at your heart to make a donation or monthly pledge, all you need to do is indicated that your gift is to be used for the 5 to 25 fund.

Together, we can... "make room in the inn".

THANK YOU!

Pastor Roy Tullgren
Executive Director