Officials at San Diego Rescue Mission are mourning a significant loss in income since their thrift store enterprises closed five weeks ago due to COVID-19 safety measures. With locations in Point Loma, North Park, City Heights, the store provides income each month to fund many of the Mission’s programs and services for homeless and poverty-stricken individuals in the area. 

“We are really struggling to keep our programs in motion,” said Donnie Dee, president, and CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission. “And the timing couldn’t be worse,” Dee said the number of men, women, and families requesting assistance has grown as unemployment has risen city-wide. “To meet the need, we’re constantly searching for new sources of income and material donations. And this week, as the pandemic drags on, we are reaching out for the community’s support.”  

Dee said the staff is stretching every dollar as far as it can go to operate San Diego Rescue Mission. “We are dedicated to serving our neighbors in need,” he said. “We’re operating on a lean staff and an even leaner budget to serve as many people as possible. But without funding to make up for the loss of our thrift stores, we may have to begin cutting services.  
To make a cash gift, visit sdrescue.org/donate. 

For a list of material needs, visit sdrescue.org/meet-the-needs-during-covid-19/.