In 1916, in the midst of World War I, men came to the Quad Cities from surrounding areas in an effort to find work. Hard times fell upon the country and men and their families were without food and shelter. Luck changed for QC resident Guy Rodgers who "found Jesus" and a $20 bill. He decided to demonstrate his faith by using his windfall in service to others. He opened what he then called the Rock Island Rescue Mission and later was renamed Christian Care. The mission provided hot meals and a place for homeless men to sleep?and fed the spiritual hunger experienced by many of its residents. In 1981, Christian Care responded to the needs of abused women and children in the community by opening the only domestic violence shelter between the Mississippi River and Chicago.
Over time, both facilities have evolved from focusing on an emergency response to emphasis on transitional housing and transforming lives. Christian Care's holistic approach to programming targets the whole person?body, mind, heart and soul as clients work to take people off the street and provide them with the resources and support they need to become productive members of our community. In addition to the services provided by the Rescue Mission and the Domestic Violence Shelter, Christian Care also operates a Community Meal Site that is open to anyone in need of a meal and a 24/7 Crisis Line for those needing emergency help and resources.
If you know someone in need, or would like to help Christian Care as it serves the homeless and abused of the Quad Cities, call (309) 788-2273. For more information about Christian Care, go to www.christiancareqc.org or www.facebook.com/christiancareqc.
