On the evening of August 23, a fire broke out in the kitchen at Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Thanks to the incredible response from the Poudre Fire Department, it was quickly extinguished, but not before it caused extensive damage.

Most importantly, we are thanking God that everyone is safe—none of our shelter guests or Mission staff were injured in the ordeal. For that, we are deeply grateful.

Please pray for our guests. It is hard enough to experience homelessness and do everything you can to get back on your feet. Imagine how it must be to experience the trauma of the shelter you live in having something like this happen.  It may be the last straw that makes you give up.  Please pray that does not happen.

This is one of the hardest challenges Fort Collins Rescue Mission has ever faced. Right now, our staff is working closely with the city to find safe shelter for every guest while the damage from the fire is assessed.

Still, we could be displaced for months, and those who rely on us to escape homelessness are ultimately the ones who suffer. Insurance settlements will take time, we'll have a deductible to cover that wasn't expected, and the cost of helping our neighbors in need while the Mission is displaced from its home will bring unforeseen costs. We expect there will be significant increased needs and expenses, which is why we need you now more than ever.