Every day at Northlands Rescue Mission, we see God transforming the lives of the poor and homeless who come here. Here are a few of their stories.

Turning Wrong Choices into Right Decisions A Time to Change Where Hope Begins Blessed by Warm Hearts on a Cold Night God's Love Poured In The Best Christmas Ever — Every Day! Why don't the homeless just get a job? Tools God Uses to Build Real Men One Foot in Front of the Other Off the Streets and on to College Dishing Up a Brighter Future Peace of Mind The Power of Encouragement The Lord Is Looking Out For Me

No Longer an Outcast

"Here at the Mission, I'm moving forward," says 52-year-old Randy, a resident at Northlands Rescue Mission since March. A recovering alcoholic, he moved to the area for a new job and a fresh start. He had an apartment lined up, too. But the job fell through, so he couldn't afford the rent—and he had nowhere else to go. He was homeless ... and he felt like an outcast.

Although Randy has 37 years of experience in the food-service industry, he believes the tight economy and his physical disabilities are preventing him from finding and holding a steady job. "I've had so many accidents and reconstructive surgeries, it's extremely difficult to be on my feet," Randy explains.

We helped Randy apply for SSDI benefits, and he's waiting for his case to be reviewed. In the meantime, "being at the Mission is giving me an opportunity to take care of some long overdue legal and personal obligations, instead of spending my energy just trying to survive. If I was living on the streets, I wouldn't have a chance to do that."

While Randy isn't sure what the future holds—if he'll be physically able to work again or when his benefits might take effect—he's grateful to be at the Mission. "It's nice to be in an environment that's peaceful ... where people follow and respect the guidelines ... where I'm not going to be left out in the cold and rain." Randy is also appreciative of the essentials the Mission provides: "They've helped me with bus passes and clothing for job interviews—and basic necessities like shampoo, bath towels and soap."

Randy understands that through the generosity of friends like you—who ensure the Mission remains a source of hope for the homeless and hurting—he is no longer an outcast. "The staff works very hard for the people here. In this economic calamity, this place is more important than ever before. It helps people survive, come back around and move forward with their lives," Randy says.

God bless you for your continued partnership.