Community Partner Spotlight - Denver Rescue Mission
The Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) began 132 years ago with the mission of ending homelessness in Colorado. They have 36 active Commodity Assistance Partners, which are other nonprofits in the state. Extreme Community Makeover (ECM) is one of these partners. For the April 26th Go: Westwood project, Denver Rescue Mission supplied over 300 sandwiches, drinks, chips, fruit, and other snacks to fuel the volunteers. This is the third year that DRM has provided food for Go: Westwood and Harold Benjamin, Receiving and Distribution Supervisor, says they are glad to support this event every year.
Denver Rescue Mission also provides food, clothing, and furniture to nonprofits to distribute to those experiencing homelessness or those just getting into housing. The Mission also operates three shelters in the Denver Metro Area. Harold notes that Thanksgiving is the busiest time of the year. “We supply almost 100 additional nonprofits with turkeys for their various ministries. Last year we gave away over 16,000 turkeys. The culmination is our Thanksgiving Banquet In a Box event, as volunteers fill boxes with all the sides needed for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Last year we gave away over 3,600 boxes and turkeys at that event.”
Harold considers working for DRM his dream job. “I've never had a job that has fulfilled me so much. By the work that we do in the donation center, I literally get to help feed thousands of people every day, while also providing food and clothing to the community through our free store. I found that I could help people by sharing my story of recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. I've been where a lot of these people have been, losing almost everything and being one step away from homelessness. If my story of hope and redemption can help just one person, I'll count myself blessed.”
A huge thank you to Denver Rescue Mission for continuing to partner with Extreme Community Makeover. Your food fueled 265 volunteers to complete 3 projects and clean 14 alleys. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Denver Rescue Mission is always in need of donations as well as volunteers. Donations of personal hygiene products such as razors, deodorant, lotion, shampoo and feminine hygiene products are always needed. They also accept furniture and vehicle donations. For those interested in volunteering to prepare meals, serve meals, or help at the Ministry Outreach center, sign up online.
