Photos courtesy of Scott Streble/Denver Rescue Mission: Participants in the New Life Program during a class at the Denver Rescue Mission and Mission Staff Interacting with a guest or doing day-to-day work
For more than 130 years, the Denver Rescue Mission has served as a beacon of hope for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Colorado. What began as a simple shelter has evolved into a dynamic, multifaceted nonprofit working to meet the complex needs of people at every stage of their journey—whether they’re newly unhoused, battling addiction, recovering from trauma, or working but unable to afford rent.
At the heart of the mission’s work is a clear vision: Through the power of Christ, working to bring an end to homelessness in metro Denver and Northern Colorado, one life at a time. According to president and CEO Dennis Van Kempen, who took the helm just over a year ago, the power of that vision lies in its specificity. “Homelessness is not one-size-fits-all,” he explains. “People end up unhoused for different reasons, so the solutions have to be just as varied.”
The Denver Rescue Mission now operates nine locations, offering far more than just beds and hot meals. From addiction recovery programs and job skills training to mental health services and transitional housing for families, the mission is tackling homelessness from every angle. In partnership with the city of Denver, its complex care team works to house those most at risk—individuals with chronic physical or mental health conditions who have fallen through the cracks…