In 2002, Miracle Hill Ministries acquired the building located at 189 N Forest St. in Spartanburg and turned it into the Spartanburg Rescue Mission. Today this is the largest homeless shelter in the area and provides short-term emergency care for those most in need in Spartanburg County.
The Spartanburg Rescue Mission has the capacity to serve 101 men, women, and mothers with children who are experiencing homelessness. Housed in separate wings, individuals receive the basic needs of shelter, food, and clothing along with counseling, educational opportunities, and discipleship. In partnership with New Horizons Family Health Services, free medical services are provided for the guests.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of its opening and Miracle Hill celebrated by reminiscing about the great accomplishments the Rescue Mission has had in the county. In 2021 the Spartanburg Rescue Mission served 580 guests, provided transitional housing for 80 individuals, and served 51,794 meals. These numbers could only be accomplished thanks to the involvement of donors, community partners, volunteers, and friends of the ministry.
Miracle Hill's former CEO, Reid Lehman, spoke about the decision to start serving the homeless community in Spartanburg back in the early 2000s. He stated: “In my 45 years with the ministry, I saw amazing things. But starting our mission in Spartanburg was one of the biggest signs of God’s power.” During his remarks, Ryan Duerk, CEO and President of the mission, verbalized the need for the community to continue coming together to help the hurting. He mentioned that our state is 2000 foster families short and urged churches to encourage fostering: “There are more churches in South Carolina than foster kids, if each church fosters a kid, we will be closing the current gap.”
The night finished on a very emotional note as Daniel Elrod, a former guest and current staff member, shared his testimony and how the people in the mission helped him overcome physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma. For more information about Miracle Hill’s events, shelters and programs, visit miraclehill.org.
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