About us

Showing the love of Christ to everyone who comes through our door.

Established in 1938, The Gospel Mission is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian ministry dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless in Siouxland.

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

1 John 3:17-18

Who we are

We meet people where they are.

We first address the basic needs of those who come into our care by providing a safe place to stay in one of our shelters, hot meals from our kitchen, and clothing and household items from our Thrift Stores.

For those who seek a path to getting back on their feet and escaping the cycle of homelessness, we also offer spiritual guidance, life skills, parenting training, jobs, counseling, and so much more.

Here at the Mission, we seek to show the love of Christ to everyone who comes through our door. We meet people where they are in their journey, whether they stay with us for one night or months on end.

The chapel at the women's shelter, with wooden pews and red banners

Mission statement

Our mission

To Feed the Hungry.

To Clothe the Poor.

To Shelter the Homeless.

To Lead Them to Christ.

Portrait of Henry Plumer, founder of The Gospel Mission

Our history

Founded by Henry and Edith Plumer in 1938.

In the 1930s, Henry Plumer became a new creation in Christ. As he sought to share his newfound faith, he often found himself on skid row in Sioux City, proclaiming the Good News to those who shared a love for alcohol as he once did.

His love for these people led to the founding of the Mission in 1938, and for 23 years he and his wife Edith ministered faithfully to those whose lives were empty and downtrodden. The ministry was originally known as the Sioux City Gospel Mission.

Milestones

Faithful through every move.

The Mission begins

1938

Henry and Edith Plumer found the Sioux City Gospel Mission to reach men on skid row.

A move to West 8th Street

1986

The city forces a relocation. The Mission adds a Food Pantry and Clothing Room and begins serving meals to the public.

Women and Children's Shelter

1999

The ministry expands to women and children. A Thrift Store opens a few short years later.

Bluff Street and a new name

2009

After another city-ordered relocation, the Mission moves to Bluff Street and becomes The Gospel Mission.

Single Men with Children's Shelter

2016

Four apartment-style units open for fathers and their children.

One campus, one Word

Today

All facilities sit within a block and a half of each other. The Word of God remains at the very core of this ministry.

FAQ

Questions about the Mission

Do you have questions about our work, the Mission, or how to donate? We might have the answers here.

Do you provide more than "3 hots and a cot"?

Yes, so much more! In addition to food and shelter, we seek to help our residents and guests grow their relationship with Christ and break the cycle of homelessness.

Is there really that much need in Sioux City for a Mission?

There really is. Local organizations estimate that there are about 300 homeless people on the streets of Sioux City every night and about 700 total in Woodbury County.

Do you accept donations other than cash, such as food, clothing, and home furnishings?

Yes, please! All of the items donated to our Mission go to helping those in need. We are not accepting furniture donations at this time.

Do you accept state and federal funding or participate in United Way?

No. The Mission receives all of its support from individuals and other private sources of funding. We want to make sure the funds we receive are put to use carrying out all aspects of our Mission.

Are you an independent organization?

Yes, we are! We are a member of the Gospel Rescue Mission Fellowship (GRMF) and not affiliated with any other nonprofits or churches.

Meet the people behind the Mission.