OUR STORY

Since 1966, Peninsula Rescue Mission has been serving our community.  What has transpired since has been nothing short of miraculous in terms of the lives who have been helped, and the hearts who have received God’s love. We look forward expectantly to see this timeline continue for many more years!

1966

The Beginning

The Union Gospel Mission of Norfolk pioneered a homeless shelter ministry in Newport News. Rev. Jim Lindley was God’s man to pioneer this work.

1972

Incorporation

The ministry incorporated as the Peninsula Rescue Mission, with its own Board of Directors.

1974

Camp Open Arms begins

1983

New Facility

The Rescue Mission occupied its new facility at 3700 Huntington Avenue. This building contains offices, chapel, foodservice, and residence capacity for 32 men.

1983

Lindsay Poteat called

Rev. Lindley passed away as a result of a massive heart attack. Rev. Lindsay Poteat was called by the Board to carry on the work.

1999

Alan DeFriese called

Rev. Alan DeFriese was called by the Board to become the Assistant Superintendent of the Mission.

2000

The “Lindley Building”

Dedicated and occupied a new and additional facility at 314 37th St. in Newport News. The “Lindley Building” houses a clothing and food distribution center, and fifteen additional beds for men on our B.R.I.D.G.E. Program.

2014

New Leadership

Upon the semi-retirement of Lindsay Poteat (after 30 years of faithful service), the Board of Directors called Alan DeFriese to be the third Executive Superintendent of the Mission. John Twigg was called to be the Assistant Superintendent.

2023

Next Big Step

PRM Leadership announced that by faith, they will begin taking steps to open a group home to serve women experiencing homelessness. The first step will be serving unaccompanied women (i.e. no dependents) who are not in a domestic violence situation.

2024

Renovations Begin

After many long months of waiting for things to fall into place, we signed contract with Spain Commercial in May of 2024 for the renovations of the Women’s Ministry building!! Praise the Lord!!