At 57, Raeann faced a reality no one wants to imagine: homelessness. After her landlord reclaimed the rental properties where she and her mother lived, Raeann found herself and her mother, then 76, without a home. With nowhere else to go, they camped outside for six weeks in the middle of winter, braving rain, snow, and icy winds, accompanied only by their four beloved dogs. “It was cold, scary, and heartbreaking,” Raeann recalls. “But my dogs—my babies—kept me going.”

Then, Raeann and her mother found out about Springs Rescue Mission – a place where they could stay without having to part ways with their dogs. For many experiencing homelessness, pets are family. Having a safe place that welcomed her companions made all the difference.

“It would have been very crushing if I couldn’t bring my dog,” Raeann said.

“If SRM didn’t take dogs, we would have kept camping – because they’re our family.”

At first, Raeann approached the Mission cautiously. She thought she would stay only until the weather improved, returning to camping afterward. But as she settled in, she began to see the deeper benefits of the program. “Joining the whole program was very helpful,” she says. “It taught me a lot through classes and support. It changed my mind and gave me the ability to accomplish things I didn’t think I could.”

Her journey at SRM was not just about finding shelter—it was about rediscovering faith, purpose, and dignity. When Raeann first arrived, she says her faith felt broken. But through the encouragement of staff, the support of fellow residents, and daily engagement with the Mission’s programs, her faith grew stronger. “When we came here, I felt like I had no faith,” she shared. “Since then, my faith has become a lot stronger, and I’m really pleased with thatgrowth.”

Raeann also gained confidence and a sense of belonging. “Before, I couldn’t deal with people very well,” she says. “Now, working in the kitchen, being around others, being part of the community—it’s given me confidence.” She has learned to participate in group activities, answer questions in class, and engage with others in ways that were once impossible for her.

“I can hold my head up and say, ‘Hey, I am part of this community,’” Raeann said proudly.

Beyond personal growth, Raeann has discovered the importance of community and compassion. Living at SRM, she saw that she was not alone in her struggles. She found a family among fellow residents who were also navigating challenges and rebuilding their lives. “We were all growing together,” she explains. “It meant a lot. A lot of people here are like family.”

Her story is also a testament to the Mission’s holistic approach. SRM provides not only shelter but also classes, counseling, spiritual guidance, and opportunities to contribute. Raeann’s time at the Mission has been a process of rebuilding—from surviving to thriving. “Coming from nothing and slowly working up to something—it’s been wonderful,” she says.

Raeann’s journey reflects the power of hope and perseverance. She has learned that even in the darkest moments, transformation is possible. “You always think it can’t happen to you—but it can, at the worst time,” she says. “But there is hope. There is hope.” That hope, nurtured through faith, community, and practical support, is what enables residents like Raeann to reclaim their lives. And that hope eventually turned into home.

After a year and a half at SRM, Raeann and her mother moved into their own apartments.

It’s a milestone that represents independence, stability, and the promise of a new chapter. “It’s been a struggle, but a worth while struggle,” Raeann says. “God has made a way for us, and I feel more confident than when I first arrived.”

For donors, Raeann’s story is a vivid reminder of the impact of generosity. By supporting Springs Rescue Mission, you help provide shelter, resources, and hope to individuals and families in crisis. You enable people like Raeann to regain dignity, rediscover faith, and rebuild their lives—while keeping their most cherished companions close.

Raeann’s journey is far from over, but she now faces the future with confidence, faith, and gratitude. “This whole process has been very eye-opening and very good,” she reflected.

Through your continued support, you are helping create more stories like Raeann’s—stories of survival, growth, and hope. You are giving people the tools to step out of despair and into a life of purpose.

If Raeann’s story encourages you, we’d love for you to join us for a special event in conjunction with nationally renowned photographer Aaron Anderson on Friday, May 1^st at Meanwhile Block in downtown Colorado Springs. Hope Springs Forth: Healing After Homelessness is a First Friday art experience showcasing photos of Raeann and other beloved neighbors whose stories include Springs Rescue Mission.