Statement of Purpose

Elm Street Mission's Purpose

To proclaim the good news of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

This is our 54th year of helping the homeless and hurting in Santa Cruz

Elm Street Mission has been helping the homeless and hurting of Santa Cruz since 1972. We are a church with a focus on working with those who are bound by addictions and/or mental illness. We serve a big God who can and will help all those who desire a change in their life and will surrender their lives to Him in repentance. We feed, clothe, and help people to get into programs.

All donations are tax deductible and we are supported by individuals as God leads them to help in this ministry.

Please send to:
Elm Street Mission, 117 Elm Street, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060-4420

Elm Street Mission now can take PayPal donations: elmstreetmission@gmail.com

The harvest is plentiful,

But the laborers are few... Matthew 9:37

Renovations

Elm Street Mission has been part of the downtown Santa Cruz environment for over 50 years.  Our service to the community, unfortunately, over the years has taken a great toll on our facilities and we felt that before we can move forward, we needed to step back and undergo some much needed renovations.  It is not just the "always seen" parts of the facility, but also areas fro  refrigerated  food enclosures to clothing storage areas which were in dire need of upgrades.

Elm Street Mission Renovation

 

Sub Floor

Small plumbing leaks are a leading cause to wood rot and fungus damage. The area beneath the back main room  of the mission needed to be exposed, some of the joists replaced not to mention of the plywood flooring and finished floor. 

Elm Street Mission Renovation

 

Exterior Stucco Cracks

Constant exposure to the elements and exposure to frequent small earthquakes are just a few of the areas which might seem small, but over time, required routine repair and maintenance.

Elm Street Mission Renovation

 

Kitchen and Adjoining Room

Bible Study from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The constant traffic from workers and visitors alike has taken a toll on the flooring. Routine patching is only a temporary fix. After 50 plus years, it was time to start over. Out with the old, in with the new.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 11, 1981

Click on image to see full size.

Main Sanctuary Area

The main sanctuary area of Elm Street Mission has hardwood floors. However, over the past 40 plus years, the same carpet has covered the floors under all the pews.  Although it has been a never ending job of keeping this area clean from daily traffic, it is time to stop, remove the pews temporarily and replace the flooring.

Although the image on the left is a bit blurry, it tells a story in itself. Taken from the Santa Cruz Sentinel, Sunday, October 11th, 1981, it shows a glimpse of our undying dedication to the homeless and downtrodden of the Santa Cruz area. This is the same facility in which we operate today. Before we can move too far into the next 50 years, we need your help in help to restore this facility in order that we can continue our mission.

Honoring Mike Crane

Fifteen Years of Leadership and Service

George Kirk and Make Crane

 

Honoring Mike Crane

Mike Crane was saved in Santa Cruz from a life of sin and alcoholism. It was a miraculous conversion. There was no doubt that God had come to his heart. The old Mike was gone and a new man, a man determined to serve God was born. Mike served as Ben Palm's righthand man while Ben and Tiffiny directed the mission (2002 - 2010).

When God led Ben and Tiffiny back to Arizona, Mike was there ready and willing to take over. It's hard to believe that fifteen years have passed. Mike has been faithful to keep the doors open. Bible studies have been held, people fed, supplies passed out on the street, and the light house has shined the light. After much prayer Mike has decided that it is time for him to retire. He will move to be near his children and grandchildren.

In this next part of his life, we wish him God's special blessing and continued grace! Thank you for your faithful service!

Honoring George Kirk

George Kirk is also retiring. George has been at living the mission and faithfully doing many of the behind the scenes work that it takes to keep things running. His health has increasingly been declining, and he kept going anyway.

George served as the kitchen cook for the last 25 years. He is an example of a faithful servant who kept going without complaint regardless of his health. We all want to thank George for his incredible passion, determination and faith that has helped the mission continue to move forward.!

Photos

Just a few highlights from the mission during the past several months!

  • Bible Study
  • Richard Butler helping out with serving
  • Mark Warner and Will helping out in the kitchen
  • Much appreciated help from Vintage Faith Church
  • Serving trays donated by LeeAnn D'Arcy Levitre
  • Bill Dauphin & George Kirk
  • George Kirk
  • Good Samaritan Community Coveneant Church pitches in
  • Hazel serving dessert
  • Even food for his cat
  • Rob Walter
  • Eula Beatrice McBride, 'When We All See Jesus...'
  • Wrapping up after dinnertime
  • Happy Birthday to Don Winget!
  • More goodies from Mrs A's Famous Salsa Buena!
  • Thank you LeeAnn D'Arcy Levitre for the clothes!
  • Service inside and out
  • Eula lowers Mike's ears a bit!
  • Thanks to Grady Swanson!
  • National Day of Prayer
  • Steve from Vnage Faith Church joins us for service and serving.
  • Friday Evening at Elm Street Mission
  • Just looking for a good cap. Provided.
  • Mother's Day morning
  • Mother's Day during Mission
  • Zachary Pennel & Urban Plunge #11
  • More Bible Study
  • Sandy Hale, the thanks keep coming!

Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!

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Mailing Address

117 Elm Street,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4420

Call

(Office)
(928) 671-0553

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We are near the Metro Bus Station in downtown Santa Cruz. On Elm Street between Street Light Records (Pacific Avenue) and the former Cafe Pergolesi (Cedar Street).