East Texas Rescue Mission Inc
About East Texas Rescue Mission Inc
At Hiway 80 Rescue Mission, people can walk in for shelter, food, clothing, and practical help, then keep going with case management, life skills, and Christ-centered recovery support. That matters because homelessness is rarely one problem, and this mission meets people where the needs actually are, in Tyler, Longview, and across East Texas. For men, women, and families facing addiction, abuse, abandonment, neglect, or other life-controlling issues, it offers both immediate care and a path forward.
What sets Hiway 80 apart is that emergency help does not stop at the basics. Guests can also access day-center services, case management, and recovery and discipleship programs that are built around daily life, from work therapy to parenting skills. The result is a place where practical support and faith-based restoration stay closely connected.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Emergency shelter and basic needs
Provides beds, food, clothing, showers, and spiritual support for homeless men, women, children, and families.
Community meals
Serves meals at the mission's campuses for guests and residents.
Clothes closet
Provides clothing, including professional work clothes.
Gateway to Hope day center services
Offers showers, laundry, mail service, phone access, computer access, haircuts, and other basic support in Tyler.
Case management and referral support
Helps guests identify obstacles to housing, create a plan, secure and budget income, and connect with mental health, housing, employment, disability, identification, healthcare, and transportation resources.
New Creation Discipleship/Recovery Program
A 10-month Christ-centered program for men that includes Bible study, recovery classes, life skills classes, work therapy, daily devotionals, scripture memorization, weekly case management, and connection to a local church and recovery group.
New Direction Discipleship Program
A nine-month Christ-centered program for women that focuses on case management, Bible studies, work therapy, life-skills training, and parenting skills classes.
Life skills and recovery classes
Quarterly classes on budgeting, communication, sewing, cooking, job preparation, writing, parenting, problem solving, anger management, and related topics.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Hiway 80 Rescue Mission exists to glorify God by providing a safe and supportive environment where hurting and homeless men, women and children can experience life transformation through Christ.
Who they serve
Homeless and hurting men, women, children, women with children, single women, and people facing addiction, abuse, abandonment, neglect, or other life-controlling issues in East Texas.
How your donation helps
- Food items
- Basic toiletry items such as body wash, shampoo, and deodorant
- Sheets for the mission's beds
- Furniture, kitchenware, and general household items for guests moving into independent living
- Building funds for campus expansion, including the Triumph Village multi-purpose center and chapel
Our story
In 1955, several local pastors started Hiway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview to provide food, shelter, and the gospel to homeless men. Over time, the ministry expanded to include the Women & Family Shelter in 1998, the New Creation Discipleship/Recovery Program in 2002, the Gateway to Hope day center in Tyler in 2015, and Triumph Village in 2018.
Need help?
How someone in need can access East Texas Rescue Mission Inc’s services.
Homeless men, women, and families can come to the mission for shelter, meals, clothing, showers, and spiritual support. Walk-in guests who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol are offered a bed, and case managers help guests work through housing, income, identification, employment, healthcare, transportation, and other obstacles.
Events
Family Christmas party
A community outreach event for children and families.
Family Easter Egg hunt
A community outreach event for children and families.
Camp Rescue
A community outreach event for children and families.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles East Texas Rescue Mission Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Food items
- Fingernail and toenail clippers
- Body wash, shampoo, and deodorant
- Fresh produce, meat, and dairy products
- Spaghetti and elbow noodles
- Canned tomato products and cream of canned soup
- Gallon-size freezer bags, quart-size Ziploc bags, and plastic forks, spoons, and knives
- Sheets
- Furniture, kitchenware, and general household items
Volunteer opportunities
- Teach quarterly life skills classes
- Tutor adults and children
- Grade Bible studies
- Serve as a computer lab monitor at the men's shelter
- Help with summer day camp
- Serve as a missionary for children during June and July
- Pick up donations on weekends from regular retail donors
- Provide barber or stylist services
- Adopt a room at the Women & Families Shelter
- Assist with group work projects
- Lead children's Bible studies
- Help with arts and craft time
- Distribute supplies at Gateway to Hope
- Assist guests on computers at Gateway to Hope
- Cut hair at Gateway to Hope
- Offer encouragement and friendly conversation at Gateway to Hope
Recognition & press
In the media
- KLTV, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission launches new Creation program
- KLTV, Tyson Foods makes large food donation to Longview Rescue Mission
- KLTV, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission prepares extra people for winter weather
- News-Journal, Pine Tree Parkway students' penny war raises money for Hiway 80 Rescue Mission
- KETK, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Tyler campus breaks ground for a new multi-purpose center and chapel
- News-Journal, Longview shelters help homeless people stay safe during winter weather
- News-Journal, Longview homeless shelters prepare for freezing temperatures and expected snow
- KLTV, Longview shelter residents seeking COVID-19 vaccine
- News-Journal, Pandemic alters limits annual Longview homeless count
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What is included in the New Creation Discipleship/Recovery Program?
The 10-month program includes Bible study, recovery classes, life skills classes, work therapy, daily devotionals, scripture memorization, weekly meetings with a case manager, and connection to a local church and recovery group.
What does Gateway to Hope provide in Tyler?
Gateway to Hope offers showers, laundry, mail service, phone access, computer access, haircuts, and other basic support for people in need.
What does the New Direction program focus on?
The New Direction program is a nine-month Christ-centered program for women that focuses on case management, Bible studies, work therapy, life-skills training, and parenting skills classes.