Established in 1952, "your" Open Door Mission is a privately funded 501c-3 non-profit organization chartered in the state of New York and does not receive any government funding, but relies entirely upon the private donations from the community to run its programs.

Mission Statement

  The Open Door Mission, Inc. of Rochester, New York is a not-for-profit ministry, founded in prayer, to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the last, the least, and the lost of our community prompted through the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is supported by the continuing prayers and contributions of others.

1952:	Open Door Mission is founded by John A. Keyes and Grant N. Speicher.
1958:	Open Door moves from Plymouth Avenue to 210 West Main St. and begins providing clothes, evening meals and chapel services to an average of 15 people a day.
1976:	Rev. Kenneth S. Fox becomes executive director.
1977:	Residency Program is established.
1981:	Emergency Housing Program begins.
1984:	Clothing Distribution Program for woman and children starts.
1986:	Open Door Mission purchases a building at 156 North Plymouth Avenue that eventually houses the Caring Center, Long-Term Residency Program, GED program, Christian Life Program and administrative offices.
1988:	Crisis housing program for women and children opens.
1995:	Open Door Mission purchases West Main Street site to expand its services.
1997:	Restoring Hope campaign begins.
1998:	Purchase made of 63 Rialto Street house to begin the Hispanic version of the Christian Life Rehab Program.
2000:	Received a donation of a building space at 135 State Street. Accounting department begins operation from this new location.
2001:	Began operation of Representative Program to the general public. Pastor Kenneth Fox, announces his retirement after 25 years of ministry. Ronald Fox, son of Pastor Ken, is appointed the new Executive Director.