Central Coast Rescue Mission expands services to women

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Central Coast Rescue Mission (CCRM) just purchased a second property to expand its services to those in need.

For years, the mission has served men struggling with hunger, homelessness and addiction.

"For the past 23 years we’ve served men in our life Recovery Program," said director Chris Rutledge of the Central Coast Rescue Mission.

Directors say so far it’s been going well.

But the mission has been getting calls asking for more services.

"For the past five years we’ve had about 20 women a month reaching out to us
asking about our services and we’re really excited to be able to finally
offer those services to women as well," said Rutledge.

"We see lots of women whose kids have been taken away because of their
addiction and if we can provide a program for them to overcome these
addictions then we get to reunify these families," said community relations coordinator Kylie Alsin of the Central Coast Rescue Mission.

Directors at the rescue mission hope to house 12 to 15 women once the it’s
up and running.

"Oh women can expect pretty much the same services that we offered to men we
have we hire trained counselors a credited counselors who help to get at
the root issues of our clients addictive and homeless issues," said Rutledge.

"So now we get to serve men and women ... a huge step forward in terms of Rescue ministry ... we’re not just focusing on one side ... we’re focusing on the full picture ... families reunited ... men
and women ... into who they're made to be," said Alsin.

The Mission hopes to open its new facility for women by the end of the year

According to the Central Coast Rescue Mission, the 2019 Report on Homelessness in Santa Barbara County showed an increase in Santa Maria’s homeless population of 10 percent.

To support this program and the ongoing work of the Mission, you can donate at ccrescuemission.org/donate.