Merced Rescue Mission

Monika Modest has made a meaningful contribution to the Merced community through her generous gift of art, enhancing the city with beauty and inspiration. She recently visited the Mission’s Hope for Men program, where she provided participants with an opportunity to explore their creativity by painting ceramic hearts. Thank you, Monika!

The Mission extends its sincere gratitude to the Merced County Young Farmers and Ranchers for their generous donation of 782 pounds of food. Contributions like these play a vital role in helping the Mission provide three meals a day to approximately 400 individuals in need.

Michael's Story of Hope -
I was born and raised in Merced. I dropped out of school early and found work in the orchards. Before long, I began smoking ma*****na, and the party lifestyle became my way of life. At 22, I started using crystal m**h. It didn’t take long for the addiction to take hold, sending me down a path of drugs, arrests, and homelessness that lasted nearly thirty years.

Living on the streets was incredibly difficult, and over time, it began to feel like there was no way out. While living under a tree along Highway 99, I reached a breaking point. I told myself I was done with the hopeless cycle of drugs and homelessness and that I needed help. I called my nephew, told him where I was, and asked him to come get me. He brought me to the Mission, and, with their help, I was admitted to the Navigation Center.

During the next eleven months at the Navigation Center, my Service Coordinator helped me rebuild important parts of my life. I received my California ID card, my birth certificate, and assistance getting my Social Security benefits back on track. I was also helped in obtaining a service animal for emotional support. Through the Homeless Court program, I completed community service hours that led to $2,000 in court fines being dismissed, and another case in Stanislaus Superior Court was also resolved. As I prepared to transition into permanent housing, the Housing Navigator helped me complete the necessary paperwork and located a furnished apartment where I now live. The staff supported me every step of the way.

While living at the Navigation Center, I also experienced a renewed faith. Earlier in life, I had accepted God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, but I continued living the same destructive lifestyle. During my time at the Center, I realized I truly needed Jesus in my life and made the decision to surrender my heart to God. Since then, I’ve been given a Bible and have begun memorizing scripture. I have overcome alcoholism and m**h addiction, and I recently quit smoking cigarettes—a habit I had had since I was ten years old.

After decades of hopelessness, I have been given a new lease on life. I am deeply grateful for the care and support I received from the staff at the Navigation Center. My hope now is to encourage others who are still living on the streets and help point them in the same direction I was shown.

“Thank you, Jesus, my Lord, and the Merced County Rescue Mission, for this amazing opportunity. You have truly changed my life.”

https://www.mercedcountyrescuemission.org/news/2026/3/4/second-chances

Second Chances — Merced County Rescue Mission The Mission is based on the belief that God is a God of second chances. God sent Jesus into this world so that every one of us might be rescued and have a new beginning. When we were lost, God made a way to save us all through Jesus. Here at the Rescue Mission, we strive to light a path for the p

In March, 114 people gathered at Grace Community Church to celebrate the graduation of men and women from the Hope for Men and Hope for Women faith-based, life transformation program. Testimonies were shared as we witnessed the power of God changing lives!

A large tub full of colorful and beautifully chrocheted hats were made and donated by Jackie Inman of Hilmar Covenant Church. The recipients were delighted! Thank you, Jackie, for your hard work and wonderful donation!

We’re reaching out to our community with a simple way to make a meaningful impact 💙

Our faith-based residential programs, Hope for Men and Hope for Women, support individuals as they transition from homelessness to a place of stability and hope. Right now, we’re in need of a few essential items to help make their living spaces comfortable and dignified:

• Towels
• Twin sheets
• Metal dressers

If you’re able to donate, you’ll be directly supporting someone on their journey to a fresh start. Every item makes a difference.

Items can be dropped off at our office, located at 644 W. 20th Street in Merced.

Please call us if you’d like to help or need more details, at (209) 722-9269. Thank you for being part of this mission 🙏