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Wheeler's History

The Mission is founded under the name Door of Hope. It's led by a hardware salesman, William V. Wheeler, who volunteers his time.

1893
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 William Wheeler dies, and organization is renamed in his honor.

1908
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 Present building built at 245 North Delaware Street.

1929
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Wheeler's own camp (later named Camp Hunt) opens.

1959
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Wheeler's second building, rented from 1895-1905 A letter to the editor after his death read that Construction of The Morton Memorial Chapel at Camp Hunt.
Youth Clubs, the backbone of our current youth programs, are started by two volunteers.

1973
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 Wheeler establishes a Day Room: the first place in the city where the homeless were welcome during the day.

1988
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 Wheeler transforms the Dearborn Hotel on Michigan Street into a Youth and Family Center, named that John D. Hughes Community Center.

1991-1994
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Wheeler's landmark shelter for men re-opens after a complete renovation and an expansion.

1998
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During the school year, Youth Clubs work with more than 300 inner-city kids every week Before then, every shelter in the city turned out the homeless during the day. The Dearborn Hotel was once a recreational center for the KKK The new addition was designed so that it's roof could be easily removed and more floors could be added.
Wheeler Mission Ministries and The Care Center merge.

2001
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 Wheeler purchases adjacent building. The new annex will provide additional space for men on Wheeler's program.

2002
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 In January, Wheeler provides more lodgings than ever before, breaking records set in the Great Depression.

2003
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Before the merger, Wheeler hadn't sheltered women for more than 80 years. the building adds 50% more ministry space When we run out of bed space, men sleep on the floor
January Partnership Appeal
Operation Restoration - Click here to find out more.
Circle of Hope Club

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If you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness