Our story began in 1957 when several Flagstaff city businessmen and churches came together to create the Sunshine Rescue Mission. Prior to this time, the homeless were sheltered in the Flagstaff Jail, now the home of the Furniture Barn.

Three years later, the house at 124 S. San Francisco was purchased and became the first Rescue Mission. Men slept in one room, women and children in the other with a staff member sleeping between the rooms. The current Mission building was completed in 1972. Since then tens of thousands of people have been sheltered and assisted.

Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, who gave the Riverside Court on Cottage Avenue, the Mission was able to develop a home for women and children. The building was in need of serious repairs and in an expression of love and charity many people gave their labor, materials and services. On October 1, 1995, the doors of Hope Cottage opened.

From day one, Hope Cottage has served as much more than just a shelter for women and children.  Our Christ-centered approach transforms women’s lives, breaking cycles of deterioration and bringing hope for their future.