A warehouse belonging to the San Diego Rescue Mission went up in flames last night. The fire engulfed the University Avenue building, destroying donated furniture, clothing and household appliances. Nothing was salvageable. The estimated replacement value is over a million dollars.
It couldn't have happened at a worst time. The non-profit is currently struggling in the midst of an economic slow-down. This means lowered donations and a tighter budget. Mission president Herb Johnson says it's always an extra struggle in the summertime.
Johnson: It's a tough year. I don't know of any non-profit that's having a great time this year. We spend more money than we bring in during the summer and we just kind of hold our breath and hope to get through it. You know, a disaster or kind of a mini-disaster like this really is just one more thing to make the current seem to be very strong against us.
Johnson is staying optimistic about the situation.
