Legacy of Life Transformation
Since 1948
We've Brought Hope
to the Hungry, Hurting, & Homeless
Our History
The Mission is Formed
A group of local businessmen with a desire to minister to the needy of Orlando meet at Broadway Methodist Church to discuss the formation of a nonprofit organization.
The Mission is Incorporated
The Orlando Union Rescue Mission is officially incorporated. Sites during the early years include 919 W. Central Blvd., 225 Boone St., and 211 W. Central Blvd.
The Mission Moves
The Mission moves into the former New England Hotel at 410 W. Central Blvd.
The Mission Bought Our Signature Cross
A 21-foot neon cross with 10-inch letters is purchased for $778 and is placed atop the building.
The Family Home Opens
O.U.R. Mission Family Home opens with 60 beds at 1525 W. Washington St.
The Mission Bargain Store is Destroyed by Fire
Mission Bargain Store at 911 W. Central Blvd. is destroyed by fire (picture before fire featured above). The store reopens a month later at a temporary location, and then moves back to a new two-story building at its former (and current) site in January 1992.
The Family Home Expands
O.U.R. Mission Family Home dedicates a 20,500-square-foot addition that includes 114 beds and administration offices.
The Family Life Center is Established
Arthur J. and Marie H. Williams Family Life Center is dedicated on the Washington Street campus, west of the Mission Home. This 23,000-square-foot facility includes three classrooms, a computer lab, library, nursery, youth recreation room, and gymnasium.
Our Cross Becomes a Historic Landmark
Iconic neon cross atop the Men’s Home on West Central Boulevard is designated a historic landmark by the Orlando City Council.
Moody Chapel is Dedicated
Moody Chapel is dedicated on the west end of the Washington Street campus. The 9,000-square-foot facility hosts worship services, Bible studies and other activities for Mission residents.
The Mission Makes a Deal
The Mission agrees to sell the Men’s Home at 410 W. Central Blvd. to the Orlando Magic, pending the location of a site and construction of a new Men’s Home.
The Family Life Center Undergoes a Kid-friendly Renovation
Family Life Center undergoes $147,500 renovation to create a space designed specifically to meet the unique emotional, academic, and spiritual needs of homeless children.
The New Men’s Home Location is Found
Plans are announced for the renovation of the former Parkwood Inn, at 3300 W. Colonial Drive, into a Men’s Home that will feature approximately 200 beds as well as a new chapel and a dining hall.
The Mission Breaks Ground at the New Men’s Location
Official groundbreaking ceremony is held at site of new Men’s Home. The $6.2 million project will be completed in early 2018.
Project Hope is Open
President/CEO Freddy Clayton and the Board of Directors cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the new $6.2 million men’s facility, Project Hope.
We are Always Adapting, Changing, & Growing
Check out our most recent updates here.