Millions Have Been Spent by the Government… But the Crisis Continues to Grow.
Despite massive investments into housing and services, homelessness in Tucson continues to rise. Encampments are growing, and people living on the streets are losing hope. The system isn’t reaching those who need it most. That’s why we’re launching Operation Rescue: meeting people where they are, in their greatest time of need.
Operation Rescue
On June 2nd, we launched Operation Rescue from the Heat to solve a crisis we face every year: dozens die, often just a few miles from help.
In that short amount of time, we’ve made a huge impact.
In June, we had 93 people escape the heat. Of those, 80 chose to stay and entered a program (this is what we call intake conversion).
“This entire effort was designed by God, for such a time as this.”
– Alyssa Giroux, Director of Community Engagement
But this is just the beginning.
Operation Rescue is expanding to include a fleet of mobile outreach units designed to meet people in their moment of need—with food, clothing, showers, transportation, and medical care. We’re no longer waiting for people to find us. We’re finding them.
Why People Don’t Come In
It’s easy to assume that people choose the streets—but the reality is far more complicated. The most common reason someone refuses help is simple: fear.
- Fear of rejection.
- Fear of rules and control.
- Fear they won’t belong or will fail—again.
Most don’t even know a place like this exists. But when they do find us, something changes.
Operation Rescue from the Heat
“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”
– Isaiah 25:4
Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., our homeless neighbors are welcomed in. While here, they have access to showers and laundry facilities, clean clothing, two meals per day, activities, day beds, and the opportunity to remain and join one of our transformative programs.
“I came straight off the street, it was crazy hot, like over 100, and they brought me in, made sure I was okay. It saved me.” – Karisa
Mobile Kitchen
Nourish (Food)
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
– Proverbs 22:9
Recently, we mobilized to bring food and services to a downtown park where homeless individuals gather. We plan to expand this outreach in the future, and our impact was significant:
• 42 people were served
• 31 clothing bags were handed out
• 3 people returned to GRM to escape the heat
• 2 people entered the program
“This was such a blessing! It’s going to help improve my mood, energy… everything.” – Johnny
Johnny has been homeless for 6 months. His primary reason for not seeking shelter is his dog, Alibi, which is why we plan to open a pet shelter in the near future.
Mobile Closet
Dignity (Clothing)
“I needed clothes and you clothed me…”
– Matthew 25:36
For someone living on the streets, clean clothes can be life-changing. Something as simple as a pair of shoes or a clean shirt can offer protection, restore confidence, and open doors.
Last year, our mobile clothing trailer went to 23 events—from homeless encampments to low-income housing sites. We served over 1,700 individuals with clean clothing, shoes, and high-need items, such as jackets and socks.
We recently received a grant to complete a restoration of our Mobile Closet. Our upgraded Closet will carry more inventory, be more flexible, and help us respond faster to needs as they arise.
Mobile Shower
Refresh (Shower)
After a day without clean clothes and a shower, you feel dirty—but as the days go on, you begin feeling ashamed, like society has turned its back on you.
For people living on the streets, hygiene isn’t just about comfort. It’s about dignity.
Our mobile shower unit will bring this basic necessity (showers) to people who need it most. When we restore dignity and show compassion, we’re showing those who are fearful of entering care what they can expect from us. Love. Grace. Dignity. Respect.
“I was very unsanitary, as far as my hygiene, and antisocial because you don’t want to go around people that have access to showers. It alienates you from society, and it takes a lot of courage to come and get help.”
– Travis
Satellite Transport Stations
Connect (Outreach)
Right now, many people want help but have no way to get here. That’s why we have plans to partner with local businesses to create pickup points across Tucson. Once the shuttle buses are funded, we will begin offering transportation to GRM to anyone ready for rescue.
Downtown Intake Center
Transform (Services)
Over 70 years ago, Gospel Rescue Mission began by meeting people right as they stepped off the train—offering help the moment they arrived in Tucson.
Downtown is still a major entry point for those in crisis. It’s where the newly homeless gather. Where people are dropped off after being released from jail. Where individuals land in Tucson with nowhere else to go and no one to call.
Our Downtown Intake center will not be a duplication of services, but a strategic foothold—meeting people exactly where they are. Here, we’ll be visible, present, and accessible to those who might not otherwise find their way to us.
We’ll offer immediate support, and the opportunity to do intake and receive transport to GRM. But more importantly, we’ll build trust with our homeless neighbors.
“Without Gospel Rescue Mission, I would be dead.” – Carlo
