OUR HISTORY
The People’s City Mission (PCM) has been a vital part of the Lincoln community for over 100 years. We were founded in 1907 by a number of local churches in the city.
They wanted to demonstrate Christ’s love to people who were impoverished and homeless by providing them with emergency assistance of food, shelter, and clothing.
Through the years, our purpose has remained the same: bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the poor and homeless, and demonstrate His love for them by meeting basic human needs. Over the years, more than five hundred thousand people have been assisted by our ministry.
1909
We purchased our first facility in downtown Lincoln near N and 9th Street. This building had been a well-known house of prostitution called Lydia’s House. It proved to be a great location for Christian outreach. Our first program focused on providing food and shelter to transient men. Many of them were German-Russian immigrants, and PCM assisted these early settlers of Lincoln with English classes and a German Sunday School.
1928
Our services were significantly expanded during the Great Depression when many people in the city sought help with food and shelter. There were few government programs in place to deal with this crisis, and we became the primary provider of emergency assistance to the city. Thousands of individuals were helped by PCM through this difficult period.
1960s
We added a number of new programs, including Advocacy and support of Native Americans, family housing for women with children, rehabilitation program for alcoholics and drug addicts, and a Lincoln Police Chaplaincy program.
1987
We relocated to a larger facility at 110 “Q” Street. As a result, the number of beds available at PCM increased from 60 to 110. Over $1 million dollars in community support was raised, which completely paid for this expansion.
1990
We opened the Mission’s Homeless Prevention Center to distribute groceries, clothing and household items to needy families in the community.
2002
We expanded our primarily facilities at 110 Q Street to accommodate more people and house a longer-term rehabilitation program for women. This expansion increased our bed count from 110 to 210.
2004
We opened the HIS Center (Homeless Intervention Service) to provide overnight shelter for chronically homeless men. This increased our total number of beds from 210 to 260. We also took over the operations of DayWatch, a day housing program for transient men. Our services include shelter, lunch, dinner, laundry and mail services.
2007
We formed People’s City Mission Housing Corporation (502(c)(4)) and Curtis Center Limited Partnership.
2008
We opened the Curtis Transitional Housing Center, which has 60 single-occupancy rental units for men and is staffed to offer training, counseling, and education to the tenants. A smaller transitional living space was opened within the Family Shelter area to house up to 12 women. The number of people staying at our 110 Q Street campus now exceeds 300 per night.
We also moved the HIS Center (bunk space for 101 men) to the west side of the Mission Home building located at 110 Q Street and a special day area known as the Agape Cafe was opened for the use of the HIS Center guests and men who need a place to go during the day
2008
Mission Bean Coffee Corporation was established as a for-profit entity with all profits, after taxes, going to People’s City Mission operating budget.
2009
The PCM Medical Clinic opened, providing free medical, dental, vision, and counseling care to uninsured Lincoln residents. Most staff members are volunteers from the community, from medical professionals to receptionists to greeters.
2010
We opened the Curtis Transitional Housing Center, which has 60 single-occupancy rental units for men and is staffed to offer training, counseling, and education to the tenants. A smaller transitional living space was opened within the Family Shelter area to house up to 12 women. The number of people staying at our 110 Q Street campus now exceeds 300 per night.
2010
Veterans Program. In conjunction with the VA started a specialized program for vets recovering from military service related issues
2011
Starry Nights. Began annual Christmas celebration for the Lincoln community with decorated trees and various activities.
2012
Safe Place. Set up safe place sites around Lincoln where kids can go whenever they feel like they are in danger.
2013
Women¹s Transitional Housing Program. Started transitional housing program for women using 7 private rooms in the family shelter.
2014
Church Plant. Started a church at the Mission for guests wanting to attend Sunday services and not having a church congregation of their own. Has grown to over 100 people.
2015
Haulers Helping the Homeless. A partnership between People’s City Mission and the city¹s trash haulers to pick up bags of clothing while they make their garbage runs.
2016
Memorial Garden dedicated. We built a memorial garden where homeless men and women who have passed away can be remembered on a memorial wall, and have their ashes scattered if so desired.
2017
Launched Only251 initiative to feed one person one meal, once a month, for $2.51. Also launched the Only251 shuttle to provide transportation for guests and lunches/waters for the homeless around Lincoln.
2017
Moved the Homeless Prevention Center to it’s new location at 68th & P, renaming it the Help Center.
