our beginning
In 1955 Rev. R.G. Jones and some Christian businessmen founded the Shreveport Rescue Mission for the purpose of providing overnight shelter and a gospel service for men passing through Shreveport. The first Mission was located at 2016 Texas Ave. for five years. It quickly became a sign of hope and help, not only for transient men, but for local homeless, hungry and hurting citizens as well. As the homeless population grew, the Mission relocated in 1961 to a larger facility at 2033 Texas Avenue, providing additional beds and services to homeless men.
New Beginnings
For several years, a superintendent and a secretary conducted the day-to-day operations of the Mission. Many of these leaders and their families lived on the premises and personally provided services to the residents. The name was changed in 1992 to Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission to reflect an increased scope of services. As needs and services increased, staffing grew annually to handle more specialized areas – social services, operations, office management, and development.
Due to increased unemployment in North Louisiana, the need for homeless services only increased. The number of homeless in this area grew substantially over the past decade.
To meet the needs in our community, the Texas Ave. facility was remodeled and expanded, a thrift store was established to help finance the Mission’s work, a Christ-center recovery program was instituted, staffing grew, and a new 154-bed facility was opened in 2007 at 901 McNeil St. in Shreveport to address the growing need to also assist women and families with children. A medical and dental clinic was built at the new facility to provide free care to guests.
In 2015, Pastor Larry Otwell joined the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission as General Manager. Prior to the coming to work for the Rescue Mission, he was the owner of Cornerstone Disposal. In 2016, Pastor Otwell was appointed as Executive Director. Under Pastor Larry’s leadership, the Mission has established a full scale Life Recovery Program for men and women to go beyond meeting our guests’ basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter but to also provide a complete healing to our guests of body, spirit, and soul. Under the Life Recovery Program, guests are given courses in Christian foundation, essential life skills, addiction recovery, and case management. In addition, Pastor Larry established the Mission’s first Vocational Training Program to prepare our guests for the workforce.
Pastor Larry Otwell
Executive Director
Pastor Larry Otwell
In 2015, Pastor Larry Otwell joined the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission as General Manager. Prior to the coming to work for the Rescue Mission, he was the owner of Cornerstone Disposal and is currently serves as the Street Pastor at Riverpark Church. In 2016, Pastor Otwell was appointed as Executive Director.Under Pastor Larry’s leadership, the Mission has established a full scale Life Recovery Program. Under the Life Recovery Program, guests are given courses in Christian foundation, essential life skills, addiction recovery, and bi-weekly life coaching/case management. Also under the Life Recovery Program, Pastor Larry established the Mission’s first Vocational Training Program where guests can learn new skills and can establish healthy work habits.
Rev. R.G. Jones
In 1955 Rev. R.G. Jones and some Christian businessmen founded the Shreveport Rescue Mission for the purpose of providing overnight shelter and a gospel service for men passing through Shreveport. The first Mission was located at 2016 Texas Ave. for five years. It quickly became a sign of hope and help, not only for transient men, but for local homeless, hungry and hurting citizens as well. As the homeless population grew, the Mission relocated in 1961 to a larger facility at 2033 Texas Avenue, providing additional beds and services to homeless men.
