Gateway Rescue Mission was founded in 1948 by Captain Lynn Martin of the Jackson City Fire Department. Captain Martin felt compassion for the homeless World War II veterans sleeping near the train station and opened the rescue mission to meet their needs.

Gateway Rescue Mission was originally located near the old Iron Horse Grill in downtown Jackson (on the upper floor of a building that no longer exists on the Grill’s parking lot). The mission later moved to a house on Gallatin Street.

In the 1960’s, construction was completed on the current facility at 328 Gallatin Street. Bro George Roberson, or “Bro. George” as he is still affectionately called today, served as director for some 35 years, oversaw the construction.

Gateway Rescue Mission offered the traditional “Soap, Soup and Salvation” of the rescue mission movement. This included a 30 day program for men who wanted Christian discipleship. In the early 1990’s, Gateway opened its New Life Program in Magee, Mississippi for men seeking freedom from drugs and alcohol.

In 2004, Rex Baker assumed the mantle of leadership as Gateway’s Executive Director and soon, with the full support of the board of directors, began the process of expanding Gateway’s ministries to include homeless women and children.

Gateway Rescue Mission is governed by a board of directors made of Christian business and professional people who serve without pay. They meet once a month and receive reports, giving direction to the staff through the Executive Director. Gateway Rescue Mission’s staff has grown from the family ministry of two in 1948 to a staff of over thirty committed Christian men and women.
 

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