TYLER (KYTX) -- East Texans living without a roof over their heads have a new place to get help. Gateway to Hope opened its doors in Monday morning, offering people a way to get their lives back on track and contributing to society again.
Volunteers found a line outside when they went to open the doors for the first time Monday. A lot of the people wanted help polishing resumes and applying for jobs online.
But there were others who just wanted to talk. Rick told us Tyler is not the same as it was forty years ago. Neither is he, and sitting in Tyler's newest barber's chair got him thinking.
"I think it's one of the greatest things that's ever come about in Tyler, Texas," he said.
"Well, it's been calling on my heart to outreach and try to create an opportunity to put hope in peoples' hearts," Gateway to Hope General Manager Jimmy Criswell said. "I left home at twelve, rode freight trains all over the country. I dug into dumpsters for dinner."
"Just amazing how God takes you where he wants you to go," board chair Pat Mallory said.
Mallory left First Baptist Church to bring Gateway to Hope to life, not knowing the simple offer of a shower, a haircut, and a chance at a future would touch as many as it has.
"Well I was just thrilled to death," she said. "Because we never knew whether there would be anyone here or not."
One lock of hair after another, Fick is getting ready for the journey of his life.
"I've got a son I didn't even know I had," he said.
New family, in a new state. Right on the other side of this Gateway to Hope.
Gateway to Hope is what's called a day shelter. For now they're open Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.
For people who need a bed at night and can't stay at the Salvation Army, they have a program that gives rides to Highway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview each night.
For more information on donating or volunteering to Gateway to Hope, click here.
