Who We Are

Our History

While on a short-term mission trip in October of 2015 to benefit Kumulani Chapel of Lahaina, founder Brian Nelson was moved to learn about Maui’s housing crisis and the growing houseless population. Given the expertise that Brian brings to this arena, he was quickly “recruited” by his hosts, Gary and Michele Lincoln, to meet others on the island concerned about this issue. Hawaii was experiencing the highest per capita rate of homelessness in the United States. In response, this team launched what has now become the Maui Rescue Mission.

Brian’s extensive experience in designing and collaborating with rescue missions across the United States inspired his initial concept for how to serve the houseless community on Maui. Traditionally, rescue missions have been brick and mortar buildings offering temporary shelter to the unhoused.

However, after 23 months of thorough research into the issues and culture around homelessness on Maui, including ongoing dialogue with nearly every agency serving and engaging with the unsheltered population, it became clear that the traditional model would not suffice. The team identified gaps in service that were unique to Maui.

A groundbreaking mobile concept was born: offering access to private hot showers, as an alternative to public beach facilities, along with laundry services.

Through this process, our team uncovered a critical need for consistent outreach to engage and support the unhoused and unsheltered community on Maui, many of whom are struggling with a combination of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs.

Our aim continues to be to build trust, facilitate healing, and guide individuals towards a new life in Christ, offering a path of hope and transformation.