Easter is a day of hope. It's a day to reflect and meditate on the love and mercy in our lives and to receive God's light and encouragements for our futures.At Springs Rescue Mission, we see hundreds of neighbors in need each day. They are men and women who have seen hard times and struggles: with hunger, with homelessness, with addiction and with illness. But despite dark days, many still choose to see the light. And homelessness is not synonymous with hopelessness.We recently spoke to a few of our guests about what brings them hope this Easter.

What are you hopeful about this Easter?

Brenda, shelter guest

"I am glad that I am sober, saved and walking with God. I can’t help others if I’m not taking care of myself. I am going to share my story, because I can help people with it."

Susan, shelter guest

"My hope is to be at home with my kids and my grandbabies, be in my own space and spend our first Easter together. I want to be in a spot where I can get into housing."

Gloria, shelter guest

"The fact that I am turning this over to God because of the fact that if I don’t laugh about it, I will cry."

Isaiah, shelter guest

"I want to get back to the old me. This is not me; I usually am in a better mood, I'm usually up. But I am hopeful that I will get back there. I am excited to be there for my son. I love him."

Bryan, shelter guest / work engagement

“God’s my hope. If I get upset or frustrated, I go to God. That’s the way I was raised. I look out the window, and I see hope.”

Ted, shelter guest

“I'm hoping that I can get back on my feet soon: finally get my ID and get my Social Security, be able to pay my own bills again and see my kids and grandkids. Hopefully that will happen soon."

Mary, shelter guest

“What gives me hope is that I see other people getting help and making their way out of this, and I know my time is coming too. I’m going to make it.”

Tyrone, New Life Program resident

“When I read scripture, that’s what gives me hope. Because he’s got plans for us to prosper, and he’s looking out for us — quite literally.”

Jesus, resident / work engagement

“The love of God gives me hope. He helps me make the best out of what happens in my life. People go out of their way to help me — and that gives me hope too.”

* Some of these photos have been changed to protect the anonymity of our guests.Subscribe to our blog to learn more about Springs Rescue Mission and the people we serve — people who have seen tough times but are committed to breaking the cycles of homelessness, hunger and addiction in their lives. We see stories of hope and transformation lived out every day, and we’d love to share them with you.