The Downtown Rescue Mission is a place of refuge for those who find themselves homeless and on the streets of our community. Whether it is a man, a woman or a child, they can find a warm meal and a safe place to stay. Since 1975, the homeless have been coming through our doors and finding help and hope for their problems.

Rescue missions for many years worked with mostly the old chronic alcoholic. But in the 70's, a new homeless population began to appear. Some of these new people on the streets had been in mental institutions. Others were coming because of the many new drugs that were invading our communities. Many were younger but still had potential to lead successful lives. Missions had to grow to meet those needs. Many new programs such as discipleship, GED, computer training and life skills were added to the Mission's outreach to the community.

In the early 80's another new group began to appear. Women and children began to show up at our doors looking for a place to stay. This group has been the fastest growing area of homelessness in America since that time. Missions again stepped forward and started working with this group of homeless people.

These changes have forced us to continue expanding our outreach and our budgets to meet the ever-increasing needs of our community. Huntsville and the surrounding areas have funded our programs and our expansion. DRM depends totally on our Lord's provisions through our faithful donors because we do not receive any federal, state, county or city funds.

I want to personally thank all of you who have prayed and given of your time, talents and donations to this worthy outreach. Help us to continue to be the place that has "A Heart For The Homeless", a place that touches hundreds of lives everyday.

In His service,

Dr. Darwin D. Overholt
Executive Director/Pastor