Adigo recently volunteered at the Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Shelter. The Denver Rescue Mission is the oldest, full-service Christian charity in the Rocky Mountain region. They began in 1892 as a rescue home for women. They also had a vision for a men’s shelter and expanded.
They continue to grow and recently broke ground for a new community center which will be a refuge for Denver’s homeless. Adjacent to the Lawrence Street Shelter, this new facility will provide access to drinking fountains, bathrooms, and showers, as well as an outside courtyard to provide a safe place to congregate. The community center will also have a commercial kitchen and dining area for daily meals.
Denver Rescue Mission’s Lawrence Street Shelter is the Mission’s most well-known and most recognizable outreach. It provides emergency care to the poor and homeless. It is open 365 days a year and offers 200 beds and up to 100 additional cots during inclement weather for a total of 300 male-only overnight guests. Men, women and families have access to three daily meals, food boxes and clothing. They also have a clinic that provides medical care. Daily chapel and Sunday church services are offered for all; however, chapel attendance is not required in order to enjoy a meal or a bed.
For our part, we helped with preparing the food and served 148 men and women their noon meal. Heather Ketchel, Adigo’s Director of Operations, said “I was surprised at how much this experience touched me. It was just serving lunch to Denver’s homeless, but afterwards we took a tour of the facility. It was fascinating what they are doing for basic daily needs and then for the life program of getting those who have struggled with substance abuse or other issues back on their feet. It was an amazing experience that I hope we do again. We are lucky that we work for a company that allows us to participate in these activities.”
For 123 years, Denver Rescue Mission has been meeting the needs of the poor and homeless through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional and permanent housing, and community outreach. For more information visit www.DenverRescueMission.org.
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