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Open Door Mission provides services for men
In 1954, thousands of men swarmed the city of Omaha searching for work on the city’s 10 railroads. They congregated in bars and slept in flophouses. Garland Thompson, a student at the Omaha Bible Institute, wanted to reach out to these men with Christ’s love and compassion. Fueled by faith, guided by his vision for an evangelical mission, and assisted by Pastor Jerry Dunn and a group of Christian businessmen, Thompson unveiled Open Door Mission in the Ballenger Building at 13th and Douglas Streets on November 1, 1954.
1955
Open Door Mission moves to 13th and Howard
When the owner of the building at 13th and Douglas Streets decided to sell it in 1955, Thompson and Pastor Dunn prayed that God would give them another space. A building at 13th and Howard was perfect, but the owners did not want to rent it for a mission. God intervened, and the Open Door Mission moved to 422 South 13th Street. This building was 20 times larger than Open Door Mission’s original building and perfect for its needs. Eventually we purchased this building.
1960
Mission Develops programs and support
Over the next 30 years, Open Door Mission continued to offer food, shelter and rehabilitation programs to homeless men and those with alcohol addictions. It also provided medical and dental care, and a Bible-based discipleship program helped changed lives. Open Door Mission continued to receive support from the community, including citizens like Bob Cornett, the leading bondsman of Omaha and Douglas County, and the Eppley Foundation.
1971
Founders leave
As Open Door Mission expanded, it experienced severe growing pains and serious setbacks in leadership. When Thompson and Dunn left their leadership positions in 1971, the successors tried to create a new secular entity. Evangelical programs were dropped and Open Door Mission’s funds began to decline. Nevertheless, the ministry was preserved during this time.
1986
Open Door Mission moves to new location
In 1986, Open Door Mission moved again. The City of Omaha recognized the value of our service to the community; yet in 1983, the city began implementing the Urban Renewal Plan and decided to relocate the Mission from the downtown area. We negotiated to sell our building for $1 million and the remaining money was deposited in an account to pay the bills during lean times. Open Door Mission’s income dropped from $200,000 a year to $100,000 during this period.
1987
Open Door Mission is revived and expands under new leadership
With the move to east Omaha, Open Door Mission was less visible to people in the community, and this cost us a great deal of support. Rev. Robert O. Timberlake came on as executive director in spring 1987 and began to change that. At the time, we had three staff members — Pastor Bob and two women. There was no food pantry, no clothing program, no rehabilitation program. Pastor Bob worked untiringly to remedy this situation, and Open Door Mission’s current programs — including Lydia House and family outreach — were initiated and developed under his leadership.
1999
Lydia House opens for women and children
In the 1990s, homeless families began seeking shelter at missions across the United States.In response to the need for family shelter and rehabilitation, we expanded our services to include families, and developed the New Life Recovery Program of Christian Rehabilitation. The program graduated 12 families at the beginning of 2000. Also in 2000, Open Door Mission began seeking partner organizations to provide therapeutic and educational services for Omaha’s homeless.
2001
Open Door Mission opens its Emergency Temporary Housing Wing for families
On October 1, 2001, Open Door Mission opened the Emergency Temporary Housing wing. Reconstruction of the former office area provided immediate shelter for nine homeless families.
2005
Open Door Mission opens its Men’s Day Facilities
In 2005, Open Door Mission started the Men’s Day Facilities program, which provides a place where homeless men can freely access the Internet, rest, do laundry, eat nutritious meals and seek case management every day of the year.
2009
Present Open Door Mission strategizes for growth with the Rebuilding Lives Campaign
Today, Open Door Mission provides 320 men, women and children with safe shelter beds, serves more than 1,500 hot nutritious meals daily, and provides preventive measures to more than 250 families living in poverty. We are currently in the process of building a new Lydia House which will provide 300 additional safe shelter beds for women and families with children. Hunger and homelessness happen every day of the year; that’s why Open Door Mission continues to make a difference. Find out how you can get involved by donating or volunteering today!
