City Rescue Mission, Oklahoma City

Description

City Rescue Mission is a private, faith-based nonprofit organization providing solution-based ministry to the homeless and near homeless in the Oklahoma City metro. Their mission is to lead their community by serving the homeless and near homeless with help, hope, and healing, in the spirit of excellence, under the call of Christ.

History

City Rescue Mission was founded in May of 1960 by a group of businessmen concerned about helping the transient population in downtown Oklahoma City. The Mission, then located in Oklahoma City’s old “Skid Row,” served men only in a facility that had 20 beds and 1 shower. In 1968 the Mission purchased property on 523 S. Robinson, which doubled its previous capacity. With the additional space the Mission began to include services for women.

In 1980 a local church donated a large building and two houses, which were adjacent to the then current City Rescue Mission property. These added facilities afforded the Mission the opportunity to open a dedicated women’s shelter, while also utilizing the two houses to expand services by opening a family shelter, a weekly medical clinic and an educational facility.

In 1992 local community businessmen, the Belsky Brothers, donated two properties on the 800 block of West California Avenue. In 1994, the Mission purchased the remainder of the block from the Oklahoma City School Board, and launched a five-year, $4.5 million capital campaign, which included renovation and construction of a new facility.

The current facility located on the 800 block of West California Ave opened in November of 2000. In 2007 the Mission hired Rev. Tom Jones as President and CEO. Since then, the Mission, under Rev. Jones leadership, has developed the recovery program known as the Bridge to Life Program, which currently touts 70% client participation. Additionally, in the last 2 years, City Rescue Mission has expanded its Social Services Coordination by partnering with over 70 local agencies offering comprehensive care free of charge to any City Rescue Mission client, including those from the community at large.