Village of Hope, New Campus Update: Phase 1 & 2

Phase 1, New Campus Update

The first phase of the Village of Hope campus will be a wonderful addition to our county where homeless families, veterans, and people recovering from hospitalization will find love, hope, and a home. As we have previously reported, the first phase is nearing completion. We hope to bring in residents before the end of this month. At the beginning of December, David Carr, our Chief Operating Officer, and Anthony Choza, our Operations Manager, flew to Tennessee, where they rented a truck and loaded up our purchase of beds, mattresses, wardrobes, and dressers and spent the next three days driving across the country. Upon arrival in Merced, men from our Hope for Men program helped unload. This trip saved about three thousand dollars in shipping. We are so grateful to so many of you, individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses who have generously contributed to furnishing the new facilities.

Phase 2, New Campus Update

While we are excited about the completion of the first phase of the Village of Hope, phase 2 will provide space for our faith-based programs which are the core of who we are as the Merced Rescue Mission. Phase 2 will allow us to almost double the number of men and women whose lives will be transformed through the power of Jesus Christ. Fundraising is underway to raise 7 to 8 million dollars for this dream to become a reality. We hope that in just a few years we can reach out to you once again to furnish facilities for phase 2.

To contribute to the construction of phase 2, choose Building Hope Campaign as your gift designation at the time of your donation.

A Christmas Eve Banquet

Thank you to all of you who helped the Rescue Mission serve over 600 meals to people who feasted on a Christmas Eve Banquet! Many received their meal at the Behavioral Health Department parking lot next to New Directions. At this location, we distributed blankets, jackets, socks, hats, and warm clothing together with hygiene kits. Hundreds of grateful recipients, people experiencing homelessness, came and were fed and received clothing. Some of the people who enjoyed this feast are temporarily living in the D Street Shelter or the Navigation Center. Volunteers also took this meal along with clothing out to people in encampments in various locations around Merced. While it is the desire of the Rescue Mission to do all we can as we collaborate with other organizations, the City of Merced and the County of Merced, to help people find housing, it is also our desire to bring a glimpse of joy and hope to each person in this special season, as we celebrate the birth of Christ. As director of the Rescue Mission, I want to praise and thank all of our staff members, men, and women in our programs, and board members who gave their time and energy on Christmas Eve and before preparing for this event in order to meet the needs of others!!

Number Housed in 2021

Number Housed in 2021 Doubled from year before

Homelessness is an overwhelming issue not only nationally, but we see more and more people experiencing homelessness on our streets and in parks. During this past year, the Merced Rescue Mission has added beds and facilities which have allowed us to help far more people as we set them on a course towards self-sustainability.

We are especially excited that during the past year we have doubled the number housed with your help. Your donations are making an incredible difference to make this community a better place for everyone. People experiencing homelessness are finding a place to live and a far better life. You are being a blessing as you bless those in need.

Shoe Boxes for Children

The Merced County Rescue Mission wants to give a huge shout-out and thank you to Sandra Betschart and the Educational Services Sunshine Committee who coordinated efforts by the Merced County Office of Education employees to put together 250 shoeboxes with toys for boys and girls in our community. Debbie Barcelos of the Hilmar School District worked with students there to wrap many of the boxes. These boxes, marked for either boys or girls and by age groups, were distributed before Christmas to many children in our community. Sandra expressed that “it is quite a bit of work to get to the point of pack out, but in the end we are overjoyed to be able to bless some child that may not otherwise receive a gift.” Being a blessing to others is what we are all about, and the Rescue Mission is delighted to collaborate with the Merced County Office of Education employees to bless children in our community.

Merced & Los Banos Home Depot's Each Donate $1,000

The Home Depot in Merced and Los Banos each donated $1,000 to Mission programs! Thank you to Kacy from the Merced Home Depot and Rachel and Daniel from the Los Banos Home Depot. It’s community members like you, businesses, and organizations who help make the Misson programs possible. Together we are changing lives here, in Merced County! Thank you for supporting God’s work through the Mission.

Village of Hope, Phase 1 Update

We are almost there! Construction should be completed the first or second week in December and then we will be moving in furnishings. David Carr, Director of Mission Programs, and Anthony Choza, Operations Manager, will be flying to Tennessee, renting a U-haul, and driving back with a load of beds and wardrobes. A long drive, but a savings of over $3,000 compared to paying for shipping costs. David and Anthony should get back to Merced by December 5th. On the 6th, we hope to start furnishing the facilities. Thanks to generous donors, the lounges are covered. We still need to raise funds to furnish quite a few apartments. It is exciting to see how God is working and to walk through facilities that will soon be occupied by people in need of help. We are hoping that we will be able to occupy the facilities with residents in the beginning of January. The date for a Grand Opening will also be announced, hopefully for a date in January. We will keep you all posted.

To learn more about the Village of Hope campus, phases 1 and 2, click here.