On a cold winter day in Colorado, Betty, 77, and her daughter Raeann, 58,watched helplessly as the wind swept a tent they called “home” into a nearby lake. Homeless, hungry, and with their three beloved dogs, they had nowhere left to turn.

In desperation, they arrived at Springs Rescue Mission (SRM), hoping to survive another storm. Instead, they found the first step toward a new life.

Multiplying Our Impact

Stories like Betty and Raeann’s happen every day. Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development show an 18% rise in homelessness, the most significant increase in decades. Even cities investing tens of millions in homelessness services continue to struggle. Yet, Colorado Springs, which invested under $1 million in direct homelessness services, achieved a 12% decrease in its unsheltered population — the lowest in nine years.

How is this possible? The answer lies in what we at SRM call The Multiplier Effect — the power of strategic partnerships to amplify impact beyond what any single effort could accomplish alone.

As Andrew Carnegie once said, “Partnerships are the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade echoes this sentiment: “Colorado Springs is blessed to have a strong village of dedicated community organizations — including faith-based groups like Springs Rescue Mission — working together to address homelessness.”

Because of this strategic, collaborative approach, Betty and Raeann will have a filling meal and a warm bed tonight.

Relationships: The Heart of Transformation

In 1938, Harvard researchers launched the Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on humans’ well-being. The key takeaway? Strong relationships are the greatest predictor of happiness and success.

At SRM, we see this truth daily.

Many of our homeless neighbors have suffered broken relationships — family estrangements, lost loved ones, and severed connections due to addiction or trauma. By the time Betty and Raeann arrived at SRM, they trusted no one but each other and their dogs. But through compassionate care, their walls came down, and their trust in people, along with their faith in God, began to rebuild.

“They’re very caring people at Springs Rescue Mission,” Betty said. “I feel noticed. Ifeel missed when I’m gone. I feel like I actually matter.”

Now, both mother and daughter are engaged in programs that foster personal growth, and they encourage others to do the same.

“Camping keeps you in a rut,” Betty said. “At SRM, you actually learn and improve yourself.”

Their story is a powerful reminder: Relationships are not merely the outcome of stability — they are the starting point for it.

Strength in Numbers: Leveraging Partnerships for Greater Impact

The ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes once said, “Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough, and I will move the world.” In the fight against homelessness, partnerships are that lever.

SRM does not have full-time nursing staff, veterinarians, or psychiatric care teams. Rather than stretching resources thin, we partner with 25 agencies to provide wrap-around care on our campus: veterans’ services, job opportunities, medical care, mental health support, and much more. An additional 25 off-campus partners, 200 churches, businesses, and thousands of supporters extend this reach even further.

Dr. Emily Ptaszek, CEO of Peak Vista Community Health Centers, highlights the importance of collaboration: “It allows each agency to do what it does best, creates a true safety net of resources, and eases the burden of navigating services.”

Answering the Call to Serve

Seventeen years ago, David Hollenbach, CEO of D Soft Technology, felt called to support SRM. “Many teammates were looking for ways to express their faith through action, and SRM provided that opportunity,” he said.

For Josh Lindstrom, Lead Pastor at Woodmen Valley Chapel, partnership with SRM helps fulfill his church’s mission: “We are not equipped to minister to the homeless and their diverse needs. SRM helps us foster unity in our community as we collaborate with other like-minded churches.”

Mayor Mobolade affirms the vital role of faith-based organizations: “Our faith-based partners offer deep connections, providing on-the-ground support, practical resources, compassion, and hope.”

Working Together to Restore Lives

Jesus didn’t focus on large crowds; He invested deeply in a few disciples who multiplied His impact. His approach reminds us that intentional partnerships, not sheer scale, lead to exponential transformation.

“God inspires partnerships and collaborative interventions,” said Pastor Tim McConnell of First Presbyterian Church. “Together, in His power, we can do more than anyone could alone.”

By joining hands in partnership, we multiply our impact, restore lives, and transform our communities — one relationship at a time.

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