The Boise Rescue Mission thought all systems were "go" last fall when they say they started making most of their money in the cold months. But a critical mission partner who prints their fundraising newsletter went out of business, leaving them with a fundraising shortfall.
"Literally employees tried to walk in the door of their work, and literally the place was bankrupt. No one saw it coming. None of us saw it coming," said Jean Lockhart, Chief Operating Officer of the Boise Rescue Mission.
Missing a critical moment, the fundraising didn't go as planned.
"We have a fundraising shortfall of about $350,000 this year," said Lockhart.
The mission is redoubling their effort on behalf of their clients. Of which, last year, more than 400 transitioned to independent living, including children.
"So we've been trying like crazy to raise money and make up that gap. We've done some, and we're making some progress... but it just hasn't been enough," she says.
But in the same way the Boise Rescue Mission has hope for their clients, they also have hope for themselves, and faith in the Treasure valley.
"I'm optimistic because the treasure valley has always come through for us," says Lockhart.
