Who We Are
The Dubuque Rescue Mission, a community-based non-profit, has been serving the needs of the poor and homeless in the Greater Dubuque area since 1932. We now offer overnight housing for 80+ homeless men; host the largest free meal program in our area, serving 200+ men, women, and children per day; operate two thrift stores, selling affordable clothing, furniture, and household goods; grow local, organically raised food for our meal program while providing job training and community education on urban farming and gardening; and provide community vouchers, financial assistance, and 1:1 supportive services to individuals facing challenges associated with poverty, mental illness, and homelessness.
History
During the Great Depression, Rev. William Masters and Edward Beach encountered dozens of Dubuque community members in poverty who had lost the ability to provide for their shelter, clothing, and food. Rev. Masters and Mr. Beach began making soup to feed them and rented a house to provide overnight shelter. These were the humble beginnings of the Dubuque Rescue Mission.
Timeline
- 1932: Began at 551 Iowa Street.
- 1938: Moved to a larger facility on the corner of 5th and Iowa Streets.
- 1946: Moved to current location at 398 Main Street.
- 1980s: Partnered to opening a community food bank, which became St. Stephen’s Food Bank.
- 2008: Garden established behind the Main Street building.
- 2011: Purchased transitional houses on Elm Street.
- 2014: Store 2 established in a building on Second Street.
- 2014: Greenhouse added in garden.
- 2016: Store 2 moved to current location at 998 Central Ave.
- 2023: Warming/Cooling Center opened.