ROCHELLE – The Rochelle Rescue Mission has been open for just over a year and a half and has already helped many people from the community in need.
The mission is a Christian based organization that aims to provide temporary shelter and guidance so that eventually a more permanent solution can be found. The mission operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can house up to 20 individuals. There is room to sleep seven males, six females and two family rooms, one that fits three and another that fits four. Along with a living room, showers and more.
While the mission provides hot showers, food and shelter, they also help the individuals with more than just amenities.
“Along with temporary housing, we also offer mentoring on skills needed to become successful in order to return to their independence, such as tutoring, reading to children, helping find jobs, creating a resume, as well as working with others here in town,” explained Autumn True, executive director of the mission.
The idea for the mission started back in 2016 when a few of the current board of directors saw there was a need in the City of Rochelle. The first guest was housed in December of 2017 and the next spring the mission saw an increase in people.
“Since we have opened, we have housed 75 people with a total of 2,377 nights and counting,” added True.

If someone is in need of help, the first thing they must do is contact the director and schedule an appointment to participate in a screening process before they can begin their stay at the mission. The mission is a very safe environment, the front door remains locked at all times and the area is under audio and video surveillance. Screening processes are done to help ensure the safety of the individuals stating at the mission.
It is the missions goal to help anyone from the community in need, but there are certain guidelines that they must follow to keep it a safe environment for everyone involved.
“We have admission guidelines that we must adhere to for the safety of all staff and guests. We cannot accept registered sex offenders or anyone with a history of severe criminal acts or violent offenses,” said True. “The mission is also a sober facility so we cannot accept anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
For all other policies and procedures call the Rochelle Rescue Mission.
Since their opening, the Rochelle Rescue Mission has helped many families and individuals with their own success stories. But one of True’s favorite ones to share is about a couple that came here on a Grey Hound Bus.
“My favorite one to share is about a couple who came here on a Grey Hound bus for a job here in town. Once they arrived, they went to the place they were supposed to be staying at and it was empty and to top it all off the grey hound bus lost all of the male’s belongings. This is what the mission is all about so we jumped at the bit as soon as we got the call to help them,” explained True. “We got them warm food, clothes, a nice hot shower and a comfy bed to sleep in until they could get a place to call home again. Their names were Marc and Sophia and they still stay in contact with me to this day.
The Rescue Mission has helped many people in the community and hopes to continue to grow and help many more.
The mission is always in need of volunteers, whether it is a quick visit or a couple hour shift, any amount of help is appreciated. If time is unavailable to be donated, monetary donations of any kind are also accepted. To sign up to volunteer call 815-561-2731 or email rochellerescuemission.com to set up a volunteer orientation. And to make a donation visit their website at rochellerescuemission.org or visit the Rochelle Rescue Mission Facebook page.