This year marks a significant milestone for the Ventura County Rescue Mission—by God’s grace and with your partnership, we have now been serving our community for 50 years. As we reflect on the past, we are humbled by the Mission’s growth and the support we continue to see in our community.

The Mission was established in 1972 by Charles and Mary Pope. That first year they served 661 meals and provided shelter for 200 people from one small building in Oxnard. Through the support of generous supporters like yourself, the Mission has grown to what it is today—a 20,000-square-foot complex for men on 6th Street as well as several other buildings housing a women’s program and shelter, and transitional living facilities for program graduates.

In 2021, the Mission served more than 200,000 meals and provided 31,000 nights of shelter to men in our community. We are happy to say that the Ventura County Rescue Mission is the longest-standing year-round shelter for those experiencing poverty and homelessness in the county.

Throughout this year, we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary with a variety of events. We have already hosted an appreciation brunch for volunteers, as well as a pastors’ luncheon in an effort to strengthen our church partnerships. Coming this summer we plan to participate in the 4th of July Street Fair in Ventura and also host an alumni picnic to celebrate successes. Mark your calendars for our basketball tournament on July 23, a celebratory gala at the Reagan Library on Sept. 8, and a concert at the VC Fairgrounds on Sept. 24.

It is an honor for us to serve those in need throughout Ventura County, and we realize that none of this would be possible without your support. Please accept my deepest gratitude for partnering with the Mission, and for your continued involvement in the years to come.