Bob & Emilia Finnegan

1954 – Open Door Mission founded by “Brother Bob” & Emilia Finnegan as a downtown soup kitchen on Franklin Street.   Brother Bob often said that he began the Mission with “30 chairs, a coffee pot, and a hot plate.” The original funding came from 13 people who each donated $75.00 a month.

1966 – The Turner Charitable Foundation (now Sterling-Turner Foundation) donated the former Fullerton Elementary School and campus to the Mission. The Mission still operates all of its programs from the campus at 5803 Harrisburg, in Houston’s East End.   

1985 – The Open Door Mission Foundation was established, founded by Alan Craft, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

1991 – Mission added a new dining room, kitchen, laundry. A large shower facility was also added.

1993 – The Alan & Ann Craft DoorWay Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center was added. It’s an intensive 9-month program designed to rehabilitate drug and alcohol addicted men.

1995 – Community service programs were begun to provide support for various community organizations and projects. Over the years, the Mission has supported the Houston Food Bank, End Hunger Network, Community Family Center.

1999 – Completed a 56-bed center for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. Also began Biofeedback Therapy for recovering “crack” cocaine addicts.

2004 – The Mission completed and dedicated the Russell M. Scott Convalescent Care Center, offering homeless Houstonians a safe, secure place to recuperate from accidents, surgery, and illnesses.

2005 – The installation of a new air conditioning system to all 5 dormitories was completed. The Mission also participated in the massive relief effort in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, acting as a distribution center for food, clothes, and critical relief supplies.