Through the Years….

The Fairbanks Rescue Mission was incorporated in November of 1973 and opened the original mission shelter in February 1974 (on Valentine's Day). The first Chairman of the Board was James Barefoot. The Vice-Chairman was Ralph Pike, who was to become the Executive Director of the Rescue Mission for a total of thirteen years. Barefoot, Pike, and the rest of the Board of Directors guided the Mission through those formative years and have watched it become a stable door of evangelism and Christian service in the Fairbanks community. The Mission operates the only overnight emergency shelter for men, women, and children in Interior Alaska, and, therefore, has a key role to play in the life of our community.

In April of 2000, work was started on a new 41,000 square foot building at 723 27th Avenue. We moved into the new building in January of 2001 and it was dedicated in May of 2001. We are licensed to have 120 beds for men and 80 beds for women. Some of the new areas that we can serve with this building are men with children and women with older boy's' - areas that were not available before. This building was a gift from Dennis and Mary Wise, for those in need in the Fairbanks area. If you are one of the supporters of the Mission, know that without you this work would not exist. God Bless you.

• Ralph Pike: Rescue Mission's first Executive Director

• Jim Barefoot : Fairbanks Rescue Mission's first Chairman of the Board

• Dennis Wise: contributed the current Mission property and Building

Dedicating Scripture

Matthew 25:35-40 (NLT)

35 “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?”

40”And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Core Values-We pledge to reflect Christ in all we do. Love in practical, tangible ways. Be good stewards of God's resources.

Guiding Beliefs-All people are created by God, deserving dignity and respect. Pure love reaches out to the homeless and the loveless. The Holy Spirit has the power to changes lives.