When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Rescue Mission of Salt Lake
Why Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is a Christian-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless, impoverished, and addicted individuals in Salt Lake City and surrounding Wasatch Front areas. Established in 1972, it provides 24/7 emergency services including meals, shelter, clothing, hygiene facilities, and a day room, making it a vital refuge for the community's most vulnerable members. The organization shines with its comprehensive New Life Recovery Program, a transformative 13-month Bible-based inpatient program for men and women struggling with addictions such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, and more. By combining one-on-one counseling, group recovery sessions, Bible study, and work therapy, the Rescue Mission empowers individuals to overcome life-controlling challenges and regain stable employment, housing, and family relationships. Beyond recovery, their Transitions Program assists those experiencing temporary homelessness with short-term shelter, employment support, and housing pathways. Educational programs, including ESL and GED classes, life-skills training, and career readiness programs, complement the organization's holistic approach, helping guests rebuild their lives. The Rescue Mission also offers specialized services like anger management, sex addiction recovery, and jail/prison outreach, all rooted in spiritual care through chapel services. This multi-service center, prominently marked by its iconic “Jesus Saves” sign downtown, has become a welcoming hub where friends can meet and witness lives transformed through community, faith, and practical help.
Here's what people think of Rescue Mission of Salt Lake
As of recent, Rescue Mission of Salt Lake holds a 3.6-star rating based on 71 reviews.
User reviews of the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake reveal a mixed but generally positive perception, with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 71 reviews. Many reviewers commend the organization for its compassionate staff and the broad range of programs addressing urgent needs such as shelter, meals, and addiction recovery. Positive feedback often highlights the organization's spiritual foundation and how it helps individuals regain hope and stability through its structured recovery and life skills programs. Several reviewers appreciate the respectful treatment given to guests and the holistic support that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual care. On the other hand, some criticism focuses on operational challenges such as overcrowding, limited resources at peak times, or occasional delays in service delivery. A few reviews mention concerns about the organization's stringent rules or the environment feeling overly institutional to some. Despite these negatives, most feedback recognizes the Rescue Mission as a crucial community resource making a tangible difference in many lives. In summary, reviews portray the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake as a vital, faith-driven shelter and recovery center that effectively addresses homelessness and addiction, though it faces typical service limits common to nonprofit organizations working with vulnerable populations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brian Woods
I was there from 3/2008-8/2009. I started tithing and finally got a job as a CRCST working in surgery. I've been there for 8 years. GOD has blessed me with a great job and financial resources to buy a brand new 2024 Toyota Corolla with 0 miles and a 3 bedroom 2 bath house in Gainesville. I want to thank you all for blessing me with food, clothes and what I needed and making me feel like someone cared. That gave me the gumption to get up and quit relying on others and just rely on God for everything. When I started tithing, GOD opened the door for blessing to come upon me and will do the same for everyone else. Tyvm. Gby.
Darien Willardson
These guys HELP save lives. We know it's Jesus who ultimately saves, but God is using the people here at the Mission to build community, love, and trust, encourage others to take risks and change for the better, and to persevere as they continue in the NEW LIFE they have received from God and their time at the Mission. Praise God for what the Rescue Mission DOES!
ReyAlonzo91
If you are down on your luck, and need a hot meal or a place to sleep, this is the place. While you are here, you may just bump into the real Jesus of Nazareth. This is a good place to get to know him, because mankind cannot live on bread alone, but must live by every word that comes out of God's mouth.
Wayne Nelson
Through all faults of my own doing I ended up here. There was food to eat and I had a bed upstairs. They helped me enough so I could get back on my feet. While I was there someone frozen to death outside while I was in a warm bed. It's been 20 years since then. I still have the seven day punch card. I kept it to remind myself how things can go badly.
Tri-Septem 777
I am in the process of contacting the public heath center for Salt Lake County. As well as writing the Capital. Men do choose to stay at the mission shelter but it should not come with the cost of no less than 1000 bed bugs in the chapel. Your cross should be removed from the wall and you should rightfully be shut down until you provide these homeless men and employees with safe spaces. Any volunteer or worker is undoubtedly bringing bedbugs home to their wives and sadly kids and there is little to no way they do not know this! It is sick and disgusting on a humanitarian level. I have welts over much of my body and a container of around 15-20 bedbugs I picked off of me in the dark, these were only the ones I could see, I felt many more crawling over me. I endured until around 330am and left having to get almost nude and throwing my clothes away in the parking lot no matter how degrading inorder to insure they would not get transported into my vehicle which at the time was one of the only safe spaces I had. There are many comments on here about bedbugs, though they are old enough you would think something has been done, but pathetically no. How dare you sick excuses for men put a sign up saying Jesus saves, you are right he does and sometimes through the hearts of men like myself whom would not tolerate seeing any people (not just myself) who are already mentally or financially disadvantaged, toss, turn and scratch their bodies only to wake up with something in their hands and get up to inspect in the light and not realize what it is or why they itch so horribly the following weeks. SICKENING! A lot of people in Utah who are not LDS typically talk low of the Mormon people, this has been my experience while living here almost my whole life, so now in my later years I try hard to see the positivity in all walks of life in hopes that some may not judge me based on my negative, only human, not perfect, mistakes. This is not one of those times for all of the right reasons…. You make any corrupt religious individual or institution look exactly like what you are and what most people believe :an unjust organization. You are not doing Jesus’ name a justice by letting these men go through the hell I experienced for almost one full night. The rescue mission of salt lake, “don’t do drugs or become homeless and come here because you will realize just how much worse it truly is” A disgusting rhetoric indeed. I will not stop fighting for the people who truly deserve it until this problem is corrected!
How to reach Rescue Mission of Salt Lake
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Why Rescue Mission of Salt Lake may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Rescue Mission of Salt Lake with your friends?
Gathering your friends at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake offers a unique opportunity to combine a meaningful social experience with impactful community service. This place is not just a shelter or service center—it is a vibrant hub of hope and transformation for homeless individuals and families facing hardships. Coming together here allows you and your group to witness firsthand how collective compassion can uplift lives. By rallying at this facility, you are engaging in a powerful act of social solidarity that creates a deeper connection among your friends as you work towards a common philanthropic goal. The sense of purpose you will share in such a setting often strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories, far beyond typical social outings. Moreover, the Rescue Mission’s welcoming atmosphere and dedication to recovery, shelter, and support services provide an inspiring backdrop for meaningful discussions and learning about homelessness issues in Salt Lake City. In this way, your meetup becomes a platform for empathy, education, and action, enriching your relationships while making a tangible difference.
What activities can you do at Rescue Mission of Salt Lake for a group meetup?
While primarily a service organization addressing homelessness and addiction recovery, the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake offers several activities and opportunities well-suited for group involvement. One central aspect is volunteering together—groups can participate in serving daily meals, sorting and distributing clothing and hygiene items, or assisting with donation drives. These hands-on activities encourage teamwork and foster a sense of accomplishment among friends. The Mission also hosts chapel services and faith-based programs in which groups interested in spiritual support or community worship can participate. Additionally, educational tours and orientations about the facility’s programs provide informative group experiences that promote awareness of social issues affecting the homeless. For those who want a deeper commitment, the New Life Program—a year-long addiction recovery initiative—offers insight into transformative journeys that some guests undergo, rousing inspiration within groups. The welcoming day room spaces and family food box distributions create informal settings where groups can interact with residents and staff, sharing stories and building community ties. Overall, the Mission’s diverse offerings allow groups to engage meaningfully, whether through service, learning, or fellowship.
Why is Rescue Mission of Salt Lake perfect for a group meetup?
Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is an ideal venue for group meetups because it combines mission-driven purpose with inclusive experiences that bring people together toward a shared humanitarian objective. Its central downtown Salt Lake City location makes it easily accessible for friends or families, saving time and simplifying logistics. The Mission’s wide array of impactful services—from emergency shelter and meals to addiction recovery and life skills training—means groups can find multiple ways to contribute regardless of prior experience, interests, or group size. This flexibility encourages participation from diverse social circles or family members of all ages. Furthermore, the Mission cultivates a respectful and grateful environment, allowing visitors to witness progress and hope in action, which can be very uplifting and motivating for a group. By choosing this venue, meetups transcend typical social gatherings and create meaningful, lasting impressions. Also, the large-scale impact participants can collectively support reinforces a spirit of generosity and community awareness, which can inspire groups to continue involvement beyond their visit.
How does volunteering at the Rescue Mission enhance the experience for groups?
Volunteering together at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake enhances group experiences by fostering cooperation, compassion, and shared accomplishment. Engaging side-by-side in tasks like serving meals, organizing donations, or assisting guests in need cultivates teamwork and strengthens interpersonal bonds. It provides practical ways for groups to actively make a positive difference rather than just observing. Such direct involvement builds empathy by putting volunteers in close contact with individuals facing difficult life circumstances, opening hearts and minds. Groups also benefit from learning about the complexities of homelessness and addiction recovery from staff members, giving insight into community challenges and human resilience. This educational aspect can spark meaningful conversations both during and after the visit. Furthermore, the Mission’s structured volunteer programs ensure that group efforts are effective and respectful, resulting in rewarding experiences for those serving and those receiving. For friends or family seeking to deepen relationships through purposeful activity, volunteering here offers a shared journey of growth and kindness.
What supportive services does Rescue Mission of Salt Lake provide guests and how can groups witness this?
The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake offers an extensive range of supportive services designed to address immediate needs and long-term recovery goals for homeless men, women, and families. Guests receive shelter alongside essential hygiene facilities, daily meals, clean clothing, and family food boxes—basic necessities that provide comfort and dignity. The Mission's New Life Program offers year-long addiction recovery, combining faith, employment support, and life skills training to foster sustained independence. Additionally, chapel services and counseling provide spiritual and emotional support. Specialized facilities exist for women and children, including safe housing and counseling for domestic violence survivors and addiction recovery work therapy at the Women’s Center. Aftercare transitional homes like Freedom House and Hope House help graduates maintain sobriety and regain stability. Groups visiting the Mission can witness these services in action through guided tours, conversations with staff, and volunteer opportunities, gaining a holistic understanding of the facility’s compassion-driven approach that transforms lives from crisis to wholeness.
How can groups contribute to Rescue Mission of Salt Lake beyond visitations?
Groups can extend their impact beyond on-site visitation by supporting the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake through donations, advocacy, and ongoing volunteer efforts. Financial contributions help sustain vital programs, including emergency shelter, meals, clothing, and addiction recovery services for hundreds of individuals every day. Groups can organize fundraisers or drives to collect needed items such as winter clothing, non-perishable food, hygiene products, towels, and blankets. Sharing information about the Mission’s work enhances community awareness and encourages wider support from friends and extended networks. Some groups might adopt regular volunteering schedules, creating lasting partnerships that reinforce the facility’s capacity to serve vulnerable populations. Advocating for homelessness and recovery efforts in local policy and community forums also amplifies the Mission’s mission. By committing collectively to these activities, groups become important allies in “restoring lives and ending homelessness” in Salt Lake City, demonstrating how friendship and social responsibility powerfully intersect at the Rescue Mission.
What makes the environment at Rescue Mission welcoming for group interactions?
The environment at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is specifically cultivated to be welcoming and respectful, fostering meaningful interactions among guests, staff, and visiting groups. Staff members and volunteers maintain a culture of compassion, patience, and dignity that ensures all visitors feel valued regardless of background or status. The Mission’s facilities include comfortable spaces such as day rooms, dining halls, and organized activity areas that accommodate group visits or volunteer projects. The central downtown location is easy to access, making gatherings convenient. The mix of faith-based services, counseling, and social support encourages open dialogue and community building, offering groups opportunities to engage thoughtfully. Furthermore, the Mission’s transparent communication about its programs and impact invites visitors to witness the genuine transformation occurring, which nurtures inspirational and heartfelt group experiences. This respectful and purposeful atmosphere makes the Rescue Mission an enriching place to gather, learn, and serve collectively.
How accessible is the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake for group gatherings?
The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is highly accessible for group gatherings due to its central urban location at 463 S 400 W in downtown Salt Lake City, easily reachable by car and public transportation. This convenience makes it simple for friends or families from across the city to plan joint visits without complicated travel arrangements. The Mission operates year-round, enabling groups to schedule visits flexibly anytime. Facilities are designed to accommodate multiple visitors and volunteers, with ample space for groups to work, meet, and socialize within the context of their service activities or tours. Support staff are experienced in coordinating group efforts, ensuring smooth and productive visits. The Mission also provides clear communication channels for groups to arrange their plans ahead, maximizing the effectiveness and enjoyment of their time there. This accessibility combined with comprehensive support makes the Rescue Mission an excellent choice for organizing meaningful group meetups.
What kind of impact can group meetups at Rescue Mission have on local homelessness?
Group meetups at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake can have a significant and positive impact on local homelessness by directly supporting the day-to-day needs of those experiencing poverty and housing instability. When groups come together to volunteer, their collective action multiplies the Mission’s capacity to provide shelter, meals, clothing, and recovery programs to hundreds of guests. This communal effort alleviates immediate suffering and contributes to the overall functioning of essential services. Furthermore, group participation raises public awareness about homelessness issues, helping to reduce stigma and encouraging broader community engagement. The emotional support and encouragement volunteers provide can boost the morale of individuals facing difficult circumstances, aiding their recovery journeys. Finally, sustained group involvement fosters relationships that extend beyond transactional assistance, creating networks of support and hope throughout the community. In these ways, group meetups at the Rescue Mission transform more than just the lives of those served—they strengthen the social fabric of Salt Lake City.
Why do friends and family find meaningful connection experiences at Rescue Mission of Salt Lake?
Friends and family find meaningful connection experiences at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake because the setting naturally encourages empathy, teamwork, and reflection on shared values. Taking time together to serve others in need deepens relationships by highlighting compassion and mutual support. The challenging yet hopeful environment inspires heartfelt conversations about social responsibility, gratitude, and life perspectives. Engaging as a group in activities such as meal service or donation sorting shifts focus from everyday concerns to altruism, refreshing bonds and creating memories grounded in purpose. Observing transformations made possible through the Mission’s programs often elicits inspiration and renewed commitment to making positive choices. These emotional and spiritual experiences promote unity and growth, making the Rescue Mission an exceptional venue for friends and families seeking profound, lasting connections that go beyond conventional gatherings.
How does Rescue Mission of Salt Lake accommodate diverse group sizes and interests?
The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is well-equipped to accommodate diverse group sizes and interests, offering flexible opportunities tailored to various levels of involvement. Small groups can engage in focused activities like hygiene kit assembly or one-on-one guest support, providing intimate, personalized experiences. Larger groups can collaborate on meal serving, clothing distribution, or facility upkeep projects, which require multiple hands and maximize collective impact. For groups interested in learning, the Mission offers educational sessions highlighting homelessness, addiction, and recovery programs. Those expressing faith-based interests can participate in chapel services or prayer groups. The Mission’s staff work closely with visiting groups to identify the best fit for their abilities and preferences, ensuring a meaningful contribution for all. This adaptability makes the Rescue Mission an inclusive space that welcomes families, friend circles, church groups, or corporate teams, accommodating different rhythms, motivations, and goals for social engagement.
What role does faith play in group activities at Rescue Mission?
Faith plays a foundational role in the activities and atmosphere at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, shaping many group interactions and programs. The Mission is known for its “Jesus Saves” sign, symbolizing its Christian heritage and commitment to spiritual renewal alongside physical aid. Group meetups often participate in chapel services that provide prayer, worship, and inspirational messages, fostering a sense of community and hope grounded in faith. Spiritual counseling and devotionals complement addiction recovery and life skills training, offering guests and volunteers alike avenues for reflection and encouragement. For groups inclined towards faith-based fellowship, these experiences deepen bonds and reinforce shared values of compassion, redemption, and service. Even for those not explicitly religious, the Mission’s inclusive approach ensures that faith-informed activities emphasize universal themes of love, kindness, and support, enriching group visits with spiritual significance. Thus, faith unites and uplifts those who rally at the Rescue Mission, creating an atmosphere of healing and purpose for all involved.
What lasting benefits can groups expect after meeting at Rescue Mission of Salt Lake?
Groups meeting at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake can expect lasting benefits far beyond the immediate time spent together. The shared experience of serving others and witnessing resilience cultivates strong interpersonal connections rooted in empathy and mutual respect. Members often find increased awareness and motivation to participate in ongoing social justice or charitable efforts, strengthening their personal and collective sense of purpose. Emotional rewards from contributing to changing lives can improve group morale and satisfy deeper human needs for meaning and belonging. Many groups sustain their involvement through regular volunteering, donation campaigns, or advocacy inspired by their initial visit. The Mission also provides opportunities for follow-up education and engagement, helping groups grow in understanding and impact. Overall, meetups at the Rescue Mission foster durable relationships, broaden social perspectives, and encourage long-term community commitment that enrich lives individually and collectively. This enduring legacy of compassion and service defines the true value of rallying at this unique place with friends or family.