Every day at the Eureka Rescue Mission, God is changing lives. These are just a few of the men and women who have come through our doors, completed our programs, and stepped into a new chapter. Their stories first appeared in our “Changed Lives” newsletter.
Isabelle P.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2026
Isabelle came to the Women and Children’s Shelter in October 2025 looking for safety and a fresh start for herself and her 11-year-old son. At the Shelter she renewed her commitment to Jesus, found a job, and is thriving. She says she is finally moving forward in life again.
“This place is amazing, and it truly changes lives. When I am back on my own two feet, I want to come back and give back.”
Karen G.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2026
A lover of poetry with a bachelor’s degree, Karen spent two hard years without a home before finding refuge at the Women and Children’s Shelter. She has grown deeper in her faith, learned new life skills, and has now signed a lease on her very own one-bedroom apartment.
Samantha D.
Thrift Store · 2025
With nowhere left to turn, Samantha hitchhiked to Arcata and was sent to our Women and Children’s Shelter. Today she has her longest stretch of sobriety in over 25 years, works at the Eureka Rescue Mission Thrift Store, volunteers in children’s ministry, and has signed a lease on a place of her own for the first time ever.
“The Mission has been a gift from God. This place, and its employees, helped me find myself in Christ.”
Teresa
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2025
After a hard season overseas, Teresa came home to California and found her way to the Mission. Known among the women as a prayer warrior, she was approved for housing after nine months and is financially stable again. She is just ten classes away from her master’s degree.
“I am forever grateful for the Eureka Rescue Mission. Thank you for everything!”
Andrew J.
New Life Program · 2025
Andrew came to the New Life Program from Porterville in December 2023 after years of addiction and homelessness that began when he was a teenager. He graduated on January 22, 2025, and now works full-time as a clerk at the Pinnacle fuel station in Eureka.
“This place saved my life; your efforts aren’t in vain!”
Helio D.
New Life Program · 2025
Helio grew up in very hard circumstances and came to the New Life Program hoping to change his life instead of ending up in prison. Through the teaching of the Bible he found purpose for the first time. He graduated on February 12, 2025, and now works full-time at a bakery in Las Vegas.
“For the first time in my life I’m starting to actually feel.”
Michael P.
New Life Program · 2025
Michael graduated from the New Life Program on May 7, 2025, and now works full-time at our very own Thrift Store, receiving donations at the back door.
Kevin M.
New Life Program · 2025
Kevin graduated on June 4, 2025. Now retired, he faithfully volunteers at our Men’s Shelter, where his presence is a great encouragement to the men.
Jeff H.
New Life Program · 2025
Jeff came from Crescent City after nearly a year living on the streets. He surrendered his life to Christ in the program and graduated on August 28, 2024, clean and sober for the first time in years. He now works full-time at our Thrift Store and has moved into his own apartment.
“I am genuinely happy now.”
Jeffrey D.
New Life Program · 2025
Jeffrey was baptized in October 2022 and graduated on October 18, 2023. He served in loss prevention at the Thrift Store, led evening chapel and covered the overnight front desk. He now has a dependable car and shares a home with a friend from church.
“Thank you so much to our donors. Without you, I would probably not be alive today.”
Lindsay R.
New Life Program · 2025
Lindsay grew up in the church and earned a degree in criminology before alcohol took over her life. After years of rehab, relapse and danger on the streets, she was brought to the Women and Children’s Shelter and joined the Women’s New Life Program. She says she felt the love of God the moment she walked through the doors.
“Thank you for helping me change my life.”
Heather L.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2025
A licensed hairdresser for over 25 years, Heather first came to the Women’s Shelter in December 2020. She fought her way back to sobriety and now has 18 months clean, a car, a stable home, and restored relationships with her family.
“The Mission gave me a safe place to rebuild my life and learn about Christ and His love.”
Rhonjene A.
New Life Program · 2025
A former flight attendant and resort manager, Rhonjene joined the Women’s New Life Program to grow closer to Christ and focus on her recovery. Today she is sober, her confidence is restored, and she works part-time at the Co-op across the street from the shelter.
“Your support is appreciated beyond words.”
Natasha N.
New Life Program · 2025
When Natasha became homeless in 2024, she took a courageous step and joined the Women’s New Life Program. She is now sober, growing in her relationship with Christ, and finding purpose and hope for the first time in a long time.
“Thank you for allowing me a place to change my life.”
Tim
Letter from a Former Guest · 2025
Tim wrote to us remembering the breakfasts and dinners he ate at the Mission while he was homeless, and the sermons he heard before each meal. He took his last drink in 2005 and is now celebrating 20 years of sobriety.
“I can’t always give, but realize what the Mission has given freely to me.”
Zechariah S.
New Life Program · 2025
Zechariah graduated on October 30, 2024, and is now working full-time at Walmart.
“It has saved my life and marriage.”
Melanie W.
New Life Program · 2025
Melanie calls the program a “complete toolbox for life.” She graduated on December 4, 2024, and has passed her exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Jaymi L.
New Life Program · 2025
Jaymi was very sick when she came to us, but she survived and joined the Women’s New Life Program. She graduated on November 20, 2024, and now gives back as a volunteer at our Women and Children’s Shelter.
Sara P.
New Life Program · 2025
Sara graduated from the Women’s New Life Program on January 15, 2025, and has moved out of the shelter to begin her next chapter.
Kelly C.
New Life Program · 2025
Kelly graduated from the Women’s New Life Program on June 18, 2025, and is seeking the Lord’s guidance for her next steps.
Charles C.
New Life Program · 2024
Charles grew up in foster care and dreamed of playing basketball. After years of addiction and couch surfing, a pastor he met in Ukiah recommended the New Life Program, and he joined on August 8, 2024. He is now sober and growing in his faith.
“My mind is clearer, my faith is stronger, and I am surrounded by great people.”
Riley H.
New Life Program · 2024
Riley grew up in a loving Christian home in Fortuna, but alcohol nearly took his life. He entered the New Life Program on July 13, 2024, and serves in the laundry and clothing room, where he has built friendships with our homeless guests.
“The Mission is a blessing and has been a great help with my mindset regarding life.”
Julie P.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Julie came to the Women and Children’s Shelter after sleeping behind a bus depot in Thousand Oaks. She got sober, gave her life to Christ and was baptized in the fall of 2023, and has moved into her own apartment in Arcata.
“If it wasn’t for y’all, people like me wouldn’t have the opportunity to do better and change their lives.”
Katy R.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
After years of moving from campsite to campsite, Katy reached out to the Women’s Shelter for structure and accountability. She has recommitted her life to Christ, stopped drinking, and is finishing the last credits of her high school diploma.
“Without the support, people like me would still be lost.”
Theresa and Aashonte
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Theresa and her daughter Aashonte moved into the Shelter in March 2024, and Aashonte’s son Axel was born that May. Theresa was baptized, and through a rapid rehousing program the family signed a lease on a three-bedroom apartment in Arcata in August 2024.
“I don’t know where we would be without the Mission. Everything about our stay there was a total blessing.”
Ron B.
New Life Program · 2024
Ron spent about 17 years incarcerated before entering the New Life Program in June 2023. While in the program he found his son Leif homeless and brought him to the Mission too. Ron graduated on June 12, 2024, and now works at the contact desk of our Men’s Shelter.
“You helped save me and my son from certain death. I will be forever grateful.”
Blake
New Life Program · 2024
Blake came to us in 2014 struggling with heroin and graduated on April 22, 2015. A mentor introduced him to construction work, which led him to Pacific Crest Granite in Eureka, where he is now co-owner. He remains clean and sober and grateful to Christ.
“Had it not been for the New Life Discipleship Program, I definitely would not be where I am today.”
Becca
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Becca lost her housing after her mother passed away unexpectedly and found refuge at the Women and Children’s Shelter. Her kindness stood out, and she went from volunteer to full-time house manager at the Women’s Shelter. She has also moved into permanent housing nearby.
“I was able to focus on my relationship with Christ, rebuild my credit, save money and secure permanent housing.”
Michelle H.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Michelle moved to Eureka for support after losing her home and has stayed sober since she arrived. On May 15, 2024, she signed a lease on a two-bedroom apartment, a big step toward reuniting with her daughter.
“A heartfelt thanks to the Mission supporters for providing a safe haven. I’d still be lost without your generosity.”
Sierra J.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Sierra came to the Shelter with her three-year-old daughter Khaliah after suddenly losing her home. She is now more stable than she has been in a long time and has a solid relationship with Jesus.
“I have been shown unconditional love with nothing expected in return.”
Katelynn C.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Katelynn was 19, pregnant and out of options when she called the Women and Children’s Shelter. She found more support there than anywhere else in her life and is saving for a permanent home for herself and her son Matthew.
“Thank you for providing a safe place for healing, food and necessities for mothers, women and children.”
Lina J.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
Lina arrived in July 2023 and volunteered every single day. While saving and paying off her debts, she found a guest house to rent and signed the lease on March 1, 2024. She still volunteers at the Shelter to say thank you.
“You made it possible for me to have a fresh start.”
Deborah
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2024
The oldest of seven children, Deborah has faced homelessness three times and great loss. After about five months at the Shelter she moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Eureka, and she hopes to come back as a volunteer to give other women hope.
Keith D.
New Life Program · 2024
Keith was homeless for over a decade before coming to the Mission, where he was baptized. He graduated on March 27, 2024, with his service dog Boomer, and now volunteers as the overnight front desk manager at the shelter.
Clayton C.
New Life Program · 2024
Clayton graduated on May 8, 2024, and received the wonderful news that he will be granted full custody of his children.
Evan H.
New Life Program · 2024
Evan had been drinking since he was 12. In the program he received Jesus, and he graduated on May 22, 2024, before moving back to Redding.
Aaron J.
New Life Program · 2024
Aaron excelled at his chores and Bible studies and graduated on July 24, 2024. He is working part-time for his uncle while looking for full-time work.
Christopher D.
New Life Program · 2024
Christopher graduated on January 10, 2024, and works full-time at our Thrift Store as a warehouse worker and backup cashier.
Corbett P.
New Life Program · 2023
A Humboldt native with a background in graphics, Corbett was brought to the Mission by a friend who had graduated from the program. He graduated on November 8, 2023, and works full-time as an in-home health care provider.
John B.
New Life Program · 2023
John graduated on September 6, 2023, and did a great job as our volunteer overnight desk manager before moving on to full-time work.
Kimmy
New Life Program · 2023
Kimmy, a former IT analyst, was rescued from the snow in Weitchpec and joined the Women’s New Life Program.
“This place has literally saved my life.”
Lisa and Noah
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Lisa and her son Noah came to us from South Carolina. A year later Lisa was 14 months sober, with a caregiving job, a role as part-time house manager, a driver’s license and a car, and on May 20, 2023, she signed a lease on their own apartment.
“Without the foundation and stability provided by the Mission during my darkest hour, I know I would not have survived.”
Kelli D.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Kelli broke her hip just before moving out and signed the lease on her new room in Old Town from her hospital bed.
“I love you all, and thank you for loving all of us.”
Alan D.
New Life Program · 2023
Alan is a Navy veteran who came to the Mission after years of struggle. He accepted Christ on March 8, 2023.
“If not for you, I would not be here.”
Eric C.
New Life Program · 2023
Eric came to us from Redding and joined the New Life Program in February 2023.
“I don’t know where I would be without the help of the Mission.”
Erin S.
New Life Program · 2023
Erin came to us after losing everything in a house fire in West Virginia, joined the program in September 2021, and after graduating became a house manager at the Mission.
Gage T.
New Life Program · 2023
Gage came to us from Mayfield, Kentucky, at age 24. He graduated on February 1, 2023, and now builds cabinets in Redway.
Robert N.
New Life Program · 2023
Robert, from Klamath, graduated on November 9, 2022, and went on to work at our contact desk.
Derek B.
New Life Program · 2023
At 57, Derek chose a new life and graduated from the New Life Program on May 17, 2023.
Blanca
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Blanca came from Bakersfield with her two children. She found work at Humboldt Moving and Storage and moved into an apartment on March 3, 2023.
“Thank you for believing in people who sometimes don’t believe in themselves.”
Boni W.
New Life Program · 2023
Boni came to us after the death of her husband. She graduated from the Women’s New Life Program on July 13, 2022, became a beloved “house mom,” and moved into her own room on March 31, 2023.
“Without you, I would not be alive today.”
Julie
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Julie fled abuse and found safety at the Shelter. Through the Pathway to Payday program she found steady work on a Caltrans contract.
“Thank you for giving us all a second chance.”
Payson B. and Marshal H.
New Life Program · 2023
Payson joined the program in August 2021 and was baptized in January 2022. Marshal graduated on December 14, 2022. Today both men work at Don’s Rent-All.
Marleny and David
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Marleny fled abuse with her son David. She won full custody, earned her driver’s license, bought a car, and moved into a two-bedroom apartment.
Leigh
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Leigh came to Eureka from Orlando. She found a job as a caregiver and bought a car.
“The Mission was the hand up that I needed.”
Majara
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Majara was homeless for nine years. Now alcohol-free for eight years, she works as a cook at an assisted living home, has a minivan, and lives in her own studio apartment.
Debiah
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2023
Clean for 21 years, Debiah came to the Shelter after being robbed. With help, her benefits were restored and she moved into income-based housing.
Daberion H.
New Life Program · 2023
Daberion graduated on April 20, 2022, and now works in landscaping.
Chris W.
New Life Program · 2023
Chris graduated on November 16, 2022, and now works in construction with his father.
Randy C.
New Life Program · 2023
Randy graduated on May 25, 2022, and now works at a golf course.
Quentin M.
New Life Program · 2023
Quentin graduated on July 20, 2022, and now works at a gas station.
Chris A.
New Life Program · 2022
Chris battled meth for 26 years before arriving in August 2018. He graduated on September 3, 2020, finished Bible Institute, was ordained in May 2022, and on August 1, 2022, became Senior Pastor of Redway Baptist Church, the first graduate to become a senior pastor.
Steve M.
New Life Program · 2022
A lifelong surfer, Steve graduated on July 27, 2022, and now works as an office assistant at a CPA firm.
“This place is a treasure.”
Kyle L.
New Life Program · 2022
Kyle, from Fieldbrook, struggled with alcohol for 14 years before graduating on December 28, 2022.
“This program truly saves lives.”
Tabitha W.
New Life Program · 2022
Tabitha graduated from the Women’s New Life Program on November 30, 2022, and moved into a studio apartment of her own.
Josh S.
New Life Program · 2022
Josh joined the New Life Program in March 2021 and was baptized while in the program.
Lisa T.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2022
After two surgeries, including a knee replacement, Lisa secured her retirement income and moved into permanent housing.
Valencia L.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2022
Valencia was referred to us by her employer. Through our worker program she saved 75% of her income and moved into permanent shared housing.
Lee F.
New Life Program · 2021
Lee joined the program in February 2020, stepped away, and came back to finish. After graduating he earned a promotion at work and became a house manager at the Mission.
Megean M.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
Megean regained custody of her daughter Aryanna and is now renting a home in Eureka.
“My life is finally whole again.”
Jessica W.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
Jessica has been housed since May 5, 2020. She bought a car and volunteers with us every day.
Jade, Jason and Malikai
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
Jade, who is deaf, and her family went from homeless to housed. Nearly three years sober, they have since moved into a larger apartment.
Daniel G.
New Life Program · 2021
Daniel was facing nearly ten years in prison when he chose the New Life Program. He graduated on May 26, 2021, and works as a service technician at Lithia Dodge.
Shawn O.
New Life Program · 2021
Shawn reconnected with his family and his son, and was baptized.
Tyrone and Veronica
New Life Program · 2021
Tyrone completed the program in July 2019 and Veronica graduated on November 11, 2020, making them the first couple to graduate. They have their own apartment, and Tyrone works in the deli at the Eureka Co-op.
“The Lord put us into a home together.”
Jaquelyn M.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
After being laid off, Jaquelyn came to the Women and Children’s Shelter. She now works full-time.
Ida G.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
After just three weeks at the Shelter, Ida moved into a new home in Arcata and works as a caregiver.
Lisa R.
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
Living with a brain injury and years of homelessness, Lisa found a way home through our Homeless-to-Housing Program and now owns her own fifth-wheel.
Dustin H.
Mission Guest · 2021
A chef who lost his job during COVID, Dustin became a certified nursing assistant and is studying to become a licensed vocational nurse.
Kayla, Kyle and Cora
Family Reunited · 2021
Kayla and Kyle were reunited with their baby girl Cora and moved into their own apartment. Kayla is studying to become a nursing assistant.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping our family reunite.”
David B.
New Life Program · 2021
David came to the program in August 2019 to escape heroin. He graduated on August 19, 2020, completed Bible college that November, and works in logistics at Lithia Dodge.
“You all helped save my life.”
Anthony H.
New Life Program · 2021
Anthony graduated on January 1, 2020. He drove for Northbay Transit and now works as a detail technician at Lithia Dodge.
“If it wasn’t for the Eureka Rescue Mission I would probably be dead right now.”
Tyler
Women & Children’s Shelter · 2021
Tyler landed a job at the Senior Resource Center and signed a lease on a townhouse.
“I have found a family.”
Cat W.
New Life Program · 2021
Cat overcame a gambling addiction and was one of the first five women in the Women’s New Life Program. She now has an apartment nearby.
Jeff A.
Thrift Store · 2021
Jeff graduated from the New Life Program on December 16, 2020, and serves at our Thrift Store.
Andrew G.
New Life Program · 2021
Facing eight years in prison, Andrew chose the New Life Program and graduated on August 26, 2020. He earned his first driver’s license, bought his first car, restored his family relationships, and works as a service technician at Lithia Dodge.
“You helped change my life!”
Ron I.
New Life Program · 2021
Ron first came to us from Spokane in 2011 and later rejoined the program, graduating on July 22, 2020. He now lives in his own trailer in Salyer.
“This place truly does change lives.”
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