New York City Rescue Mission

New York City Rescue Mission, now a controlled affiliate of The Bowery Mission, was founded in 1872 by Jerry McAuley and his wife, Maria with the purpose of providing a soup kitchen and homeless shelter.

[1][2] Homelessness was on the rise in New York City during the 1870s largely due to a wave of European immigration.

The couple opened a rescue mission called The Helping Hand for Men.

After three years, McAuley and his friends built a three-story brick building to replace the original frame structure.

It was designed by architect Bradford Gilbert, former mission trustee and second husband to Maria after McAuley's death.