Housing

Raleigh Rescue Mission

A compassionate commitment to serving communities in Raleigh and Wake County, North Carolina
Raleigh Rescue Mission CEO John Luckett addresses the audience at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for its new women and children’s campus, The Garden.

Raleigh Rescue Mission (RRM) has supported individuals and families in North Carolina for decades by offering safe housing, holistic care, and a path to long-term stability. With $9.5 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) from NFF and additional partner support, RRM is expanding its impact with The Garden, a new 100-room facility set to offer safety and stability for hundreds of women and children.

Homelessness in Raleigh and Wake County, North Carolina, is rising at an alarming 8% annually, with single mothers and their children making up the majority of those seeking housing support. For one in four households, housing costs exceed what families can realistically afford. A nearly 60% surge in student homelessness over the past seven years reflects the growing strain on families in Wake County. Now more than ever, family-centered recovery efforts are essential to creating lasting stability. 

A trusted nonprofit with more than 60 years of service, RRM is a recognized leader in addressing homelessness across North Carolina. With $9.5 million of NMTC allocation from NFF alongside support from Capital One, Dudley Ventures, Valley National Bank, CAHEC, and Accion Opportunity Fund, RRM is building a new restorative housing facility for women and children, a youth learning center, and community open space. The new 100-room facility will provide safe shelter and vital support for 780 people annually, while creating nearly 200 living-wage construction jobs. This expansion allows it to serve 483% more women and children facing situational homelessness, helping them build more stable, independent futures. 

A rendering of Raleigh Rescue Mission's new women's and children's facility, The Garden.
A rendering of Raleigh Rescue Mission's new women's and children's facility, The Garden.

“Partnering with NFF provided us with extra funds that we were not originally accounting for in our projected costs for this project. Not only did we receive unexpected funds, we were also connected to a myriad of kindhearted people who share our desire to serve others,” shares John Luckett, CEO of RRM.

 

 

Raleigh Rescue Mission clients stand in a graduation ceremony after completing the Jobs for Life curriculum. All photos by Azul Photography.
A former client of Raleigh Rescue Mission comes back to visit regularly. He is now gainfully employed and living independently again after completing the New Life Plan.

 

Through its comprehensive New Life Plan – a six-phase roadmap designed to guide individuals from homelessness to homeownership – RRM offers holistic, person-centered support that meets both immediate needs and long-term goals. Built to meet people where they are, the New Life Plan includes mental and physical wellness assessments, financial coaching, job training, and more. 

John adds, “A little over 8 years ago, Raleigh Rescue Mission transitioned away from the overnight shelter model and started using a new foundational program called the New Life Plan. Here, situationally homeless men, women, and children are given more than just a safe place to sleep at night – they’re given a chance to rebuild a new life for themselves. When a client completes the New Life Plan, they leave Raleigh Rescue Mission with a stable job, a debt-free car, and an apartment.”  

A mother and her son play in front of Raleigh Rescue Mission's headquarters.
A client of Raleigh Rescue Mission and her son play near the front of Raleigh Rescue Mission’s original location in Downtown Raleigh.

“Our mission statement is ‘Believing every individual has sacred value, we equip people to impact the world for good through the love of Jesus Christ’ and we are proud to serve those who are often overlooked in our community.”

John Luckett, CEO, Raleigh Rescue Mission

See how NFF’s financing supports organizations working across housing, health, education, and more. Learn about our NMTC program.

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