Nashville Rescue Mission history

In 1956, the Mission opened “Rescue Haven,” on a 125-acre farm near Joelton.

Eventually, more than 1,500 destitute, alcoholic men passed through its doors. It was subsequently sold in 1962, due to indebtedness.

In November 1967, a dozen ladies met in the old building that housed the Nashville Union Rescue Mission at 129 7th Avenue to share their concerns about the increasing number of women on the Nashville streets with no place to find shelter.

In 1968, services were expanded to include women and children.

In April 1969, the Mission purchased 319 acres forty-two miles from Nashville in Dickson County to form “Mission Acres.” Designed for permanent rehabilitation, its official name Middle Tennessee Rehabilitation Farm, sought to establish patterns leading to disciplined behavior.

That same year, on October 2, 1971, the board of directors named Rev.

In 1979, the Mission celebrated their 25th anniversary.

In May 1987, the doors to the Mission’s “Family Life Center” were officially opened to serve homeless women and children in the area.

The doors officially opened in February 2001 to serve homeless and addicted men in the community.

In 2007, the number of homeless women seeking shelter was well beyond the capacity of 80, averaging 128 guests per night and reaching as high as 162, resulting in a much-needed expansion of facilities and services.

A capital campaign was launched in 2009 to allow for the development and remodel.