Cold winters can be hard on the homeless, but "record heat" is life-threatening. According to Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs,” basic human needs can be defined as air, water, food, sleep and shelter. While most of us have air conditioners, this isn’t on the list of basic needs. For the homeless, there is no such luxury. In fact, most homeless don’t even have their basic needs met.

Instead, they are forced to seek out temporary respite from the heat anywhere they can find it. In most cases, they are turned away from stores and other public places. Many find themselves sitting under interstate overpasses in an effort to escape the heat.

Because of your support we can offer the homeless an alternative. We provide food, water, clothing, toiletries, showers and shelter to Nashville’s neediest. But more than that, we can offer them “living water”—water that quenches their thirst for hope.

Your generosity makes it possible for hurting men, women and children to be clothed, have a safe place to sleep and not go hungry. There are many factors that delivered a person to the streets. A relationship with Jesus Christ is the way off of them.

In an effort to increase awareness of the homelessness situation in our community, we’ve included a special postcard for you to send to a neighbor, friend or family member. Working together, we can inform people about the seriousness of homelessness, especially during these hot summer days.

From volunteering to donating to spreading the word about the poor and homeless in our community, your support is invaluable. After all, it is through your friendship the Nashville Rescue Mission exists as a beacon, ready to help the least, last and lost of Middle Tennessee.

Don Worrell
President/CEO