Holidays can be an especially difficult time of the year for those in San Diego dealing with homelessness.
The San Diego Rescue Mission will do its part to make the Easter season a little better for those without a home.
SDRM is hosting its annual Easter Community Meal this Saturday (March 28) from 1 to 3 p.m. The event takes place at 120 Elm Street. (Guests should enter on 2nd Avenue.)
Locals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, or housing challenges are invited to enjoy a free hot holiday meal served by volunteers, alongside opportunities to access necessary services.
Along with the holiday meal, attendees will have access to:
Haircuts from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hot showers through the Rescue Mission’s mobile shower trailers from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Essential item giveaways on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to medical services, pet sitting, and community support. Transportation assistance through the Rescue Mission’s “HOPE” vans, offering free rides to and from the event in downtown San Diego, available from the City’s O and B safe camping sites and The Neil Good Day Center (299 17th St.) from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Downtown/Uptown News caught up recently with Cedric McLean, SDRM’s director of marketing, to discuss the event.
DTN/UTN: How many years has this event been going on?
McLean: The San Diego Rescue Mission is celebrating 70 years of serving San Diego. The organization has been hosting its annual Easter Community Meal at 120 Elm Street for 22 years.
DTN/UTN: How does this annual event best serve members of the community in need?
McLean: For many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness or hardship, Easter can be a really difficult time. A lot of the people we serve grew up celebrating holidays with family, and now they’re facing them alone. This event is about restoring a sense of dignity and belonging.
We open our doors and turn our space into something that feels more like a restaurant than a shelter. We’re serving a hot, home-cooked meal and offering haircuts, showers, medical care, pet care, and essential items. But more than that, it’s an opportunity to connect. It’s often the first step in building trust and helping someone take the next step toward stability.
DTN/UTN: What has the turnout typically been like over the years for this event?
McLean: The Easter Meal is one of three community holiday meals we serve every year. We typically host hundreds of individuals at our Easter Meal, often around 600-700 people, and around 1,000 people for our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Community Meals. These numbers reflect a real need in our community for a nutritious meal, care, and compassion. Over the years, we’ve seen consistent turnout, especially as more individuals and families face rising costs of living.
DTN/UTN: Some people in need are hesitant to reach out for help. What would be the message for them?
McLean: You’re not alone, and you don’t have to face your hardships on your own. Most people we meet didn’t expect to fall on hard times or become homeless. Something happened in their life — trauma, loss, addiction, financial hardship — and they just haven’t been able to recover from it yet.
Our Easter Meal is a safe place to come as you are, enjoy a warm meal, and a community of genuine people who will welcome you with open arms. For more information about our Easter Meal, go here. San Diegans can also make a direct impact by donating an Easter meal with a gift of just $2.83.
Hence then, the article about hope and renewal at annual san diego rescue mission easter celebration march 28 was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Hope and renewal at annual San Diego Rescue Mission Easter celebration March 28 )
Also on site :