Serving the Homeless in Wake County

The John William Pope Foundation’s new Grantee Profile focuses on the Raleigh Rescue Mission, a nonprofit serving the homeless in North Carolina’s capital city:

Robert came to the Raleigh Rescue Mission with a long list of medical problems: prostate cancer, lupus, a knee injury, and a hernia. At the time, he had been living on the streets of downtown Raleigh for five years, destitute and alone.

“It was cold nights. It was rainy days,” Robert said when describing his homeless life. “I couldn’t do anything but go between the soup kitchen and the shelter. I couldn’t find a job.”

Without the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Robert admits that he would be dead today.

“I am really grateful for being here,” he said. “I really am. The Mission has given me a second chance at life, and I really need it.”

Another client, Melissa, says that the Mission saved her life. Her drug addiction had taken control of her, but after she got help, she’s been back in school to become job ready.

“All of my needs were met at the Mission,” she said. “I have food. I have shelter. I have clothes. I have love. It’s really awesome.”

Read more Grantee Profiles here.