Long Beach Rescue Mission
The Long Beach Rescue Mission, (LBRM) started in 1972, is a Christian social service center for the homeless and poor in Long Beach, California. The mission provides food, clothing, shelter and spiritual guidance to men, women and children. Senior citizens and neighborhood families also come for meals or to attend chapel services in the evenings and on Sundays. It is part of the Rescue Mission movement started in the US by Jerry McAuley. Long Beach Rescue Mission is part of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions.[1]
The Long Beach Rescue Mission currently has two facilities. Our 120-bed Samaritan House is for men, and a 45-bed Lydia House is for women and their children. The Rescue Mission's programs include seven-day emergency shelter, case management, and a one-year residential social rehabilitation New Life Program for men and women. It utilizes a computerized Learning Center where participants can obtain their GED, as well as Career Employment Services. A recent addition is the Bridge Program for graduates, which can include continued education, paid internships, and residential assistance.
LBRM has reopened its thrift store in the former Monster garage. Located at 702 West Anaheim Street in Long Beach next to the 710. Donations of clothing and household goods are considered for use in Mission programs, or sold in the store. The store provides work therapy for program participants and Bridge internships. All profits go to support Mission programs.
LBRM's programs are fully funded through private donations. No government funds are sought nor accepted for its programs.
While being guided by Judeo-Christian principles, LBRM's emergency services are open to all faiths.
Executive Succession: 1972-1996: Wayne and Janet Teuerle; 1996-2006: Bill & Cindy Thomas; 2006-2012: James K. Lewis; 2013- : Robert Probst