Despite these unusual and challenging times, there is still so much good news to report from April!Last month, Springs Rescue Mission's response to COVID-19 continued — the on-campus safety protocols and the creation of an isolation shelter in downtown Colorado Springs (see below for more). But amid the isolation and uncertainty the pandemic has created, our community has come together in beautiful ways.At SRM, April was a month of hope.With an uplifting Easter meal, two New Life Program graduations and exciting progress on the new Samaritan's Kitchen, last month was one to celebrate.

Here are a few highlights from April:

Progress on new SRM kitchen and dining hall

Early last month, the foundation was poured for the new kitchen and dining hall at Springs Rescue Mission. Just a few short weeks later, the building began to take shape — construction teams worked hard to raise steel beams into place, creating the building’s frame.When the new Samaritan’s Kitchen is completed later this fall, it will allow Springs Rescue Mission to feed 200 hungry neighbors at once. We can’t wait!

Joshua graduates the New Life Program

Joshua graduated from the New Life Program last month. His friends described him as a wonderful storyteller, a genuine man and a good friend. They spoke of his consistency, intelligence and common sense. As one case manager put it, "Joshua has experienced God’s favor and miracles during this program."His graduation Bible verse was Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

SRM distributes #loveBIGGER posters

Have you noticed hearts in windows lately? This simple gesture shows our unity and strength as a community during a difficult time. It shows our neighbors we love and support them — that we’re all in this together!Piggybacking off this idea, Springs Rescue Mission distributed — and made available online — its own colorful heart posters for our neighbors in Colorado Springs to show their support of each other, as well as our neighbors in need.We invite you to download and color these hearts to display in your window. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!

Samaritan's Kitchen hosts Easter Alive Outreach Meal

Our annual Easter Outreach meal looked a little different this year, but that made it even more special. Because City Auditorium is currently being used as an isolation shelter (for homeless men and women experiencing symptoms of COVID-19), the Easter meal was held at Samaritan’s Kitchen on the Springs Rescue Mission campus.Hundreds of hungry neighbors dined on honey ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, warm rolls, and pie for dessert. Tables were covered with linens and decorated with fresh flowers.“Everyone was happy. It was nice,” said Chef Tyler Peoples. “The guests really enjoyed the extra effort and the crew enjoyed the opportunity to serve in Jesus’ name.”

Aaron graduates New Life Program

Last month, Aaron graduated from the New Life Program. His friends and co-residents noted that, although he's very quiet, he lets his actions speak louder than words. They spoke of how much he loves meditating on the Word of God, his caring nature and his intelligence.The Bible verse Aaron chose for his graduation was Micah 7:8-9: "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD's wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness."

Isolation shelter opens at City Auditorium

Just over a month ago, on April 5, Springs Rescue Mission helped open an isolation center at City Auditorium. We were prepared for the worst, but prayed for the best.Today we’re thrilled to say that Colorado Springs has been fortunate. There’s been no spread of COVID-19 in local shelters, and no verified positive tests in the local homeless population. Take a look at today’s blog for more details!

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