The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-09-05
The Rescue Mission.

For several years you have been reading
references in the Rock Island press to the
Rescue mission. The mission was started IN
a room on Seventeenth street with view to
offering temporary aid to homeless and pennl-
less men. The mission changed locations sew
eraI times 1t Gid good work and sent many
an unfortunate happy on his way after afford
ing bim nights sleep and supplied him few
meals For many jobs were obtained AS the
usefulness of the institution became apparent
persons of means in the city became interested,
with the result that today the mission is To-
Gated in its own home on Third avenue be-
tween Twentieth and Twenty-first streets. The
building has been purchased and thoroughly
furnished. Two missionaries in charge.
They are both men who have been through the
mill of misfortune and therefore are in posi-
ton to sympathize with those who come to the
mission for help. Aside from sleeping rooms,
there is a well equipped kitchen, dining room,
meeting room and reading room. Where the
applicant has money he is expected to pay for
his food and lodging. But he is not turned
away if he does not happen to have funds. The
purpose of the mission is to offer practical
help to those in need and to save honest men
from the necessity of sleeping in a jail. Women
of the city cooperating and on certain days
of the week will meet at the mission and make
and repair clothing to be distributed among
worthy men who apply at the mission for help.
In this connection citizens give help
through the donation of discarded clothing.
This clothing will be assembled at the mission
and be made into garments suitable for
use by lilly clad men who visit the mission in
quest of apparel. Winter is approaching and
it is to be expected that there will be much
suffering among men who have been without
A. ~
soon is to be opened for pdblic inspection, and
Rock Island people owe it to themselves to
visit the institution and see what a model
place has been equipped for taking care of
down and cutters. 1t is not the drifter alone
who is afforded help at the mission. There
are many men who claim Rock Island as their
home who are in need of temporary helm as
afforded at the mission. They are not bad men
They are simply unfortunate. All they need
is temporary lift And they get it at the
Rescue mission. Aside from receiving lodg-
ings. food and clothing, they are helped in OBJ
tanning employment There are talks and sing
ing and prayers to encourage the disconsolate.
It's harbor of refuge for the fellow who is
beginning to feel the world has turned against
him. 1t is such an institution to which the
man almost on the verge of self-destruction
might turn assured of welcome and helping
hand. The missions permanently is assured
Having its own home. acquired through the
generosity Of some of the charitaSiy inclined
people of means of the city, it Is now up to
citizens generally to maintain the mission IL
you doubt the good work that it is accomplish
Ing attend one of the meetings held there and
talk with the men in charge Only few DAYS
ago one of the dodgers was former preacher
who had held fine charges in different parts
of the county. Deaths in his family and his
own sickness had rendered him unfit for serv-
ice and made him penniless wanderer. One
night he drifted into the mission and was given
lodging. The next day he was put in touch
with local minister Today the former
preacher is again on his feet, his hearth i.
returning he is working and is once more
happy.