Welcome to the
Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission

Founded in 1963, the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission has become Northern Nevada’s largest provider of services to the homeless and needy. During that time, we’ve served nearly 5 million hot, nutritious meals, given away more than 1.2 million pieces of clothing and provided over 1.2 million nights of warm beds for those men, women and children seeking shelter from the often harsh environment of the high desert.

The late Rev. Howard Cooper’s vision for a dilapidated downtown Reno hotel has bloomed into a multi-faceted ministry of services for the hurting. Since then, the Gospel Mission staff has relentlessly pursued their mission of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who come through its doors.

Executive Director Rick Redding brings more than a decade of counseling and ministry experience in dealing with the hurting and lost. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

The former award-winning reporter served as the Mission’s Director of Communications and Counseling for eight years before assuming the executive director position.

“We’re here to meet people at their point of pain,” Redding says. “Once we’ve got them stabilized, we’ll work on spiritual issues, employment, social services and counseling. We look at each person as a whole.”

To accomplish these goals, the Gospel Mission relies entirely on the gifts of God’s people. Individuals, families, churches, foundations and businesses that share this vision and care about the downtrodden.

From the homeless to the addicted, from hurting marriages to needy children, the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission’s work touches many in the community.

Mission Statement

The Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization whose purpose, since its inception in 1963, has been to meet the various needs of the hungry, homeless and hurting of Northern Nevada. Our dedication to this purpose includes daily provision of food, clothing, shelter, counseling and programs designed to instruct and to assist families and individuals in becoming self-sufficient and productive members of our community.

Mission Facts

• RSGM has served the Reno-Sparks and Northern Nevada area since 1963.
• We are the area’s largest provider of services to the needy and homeless, with 270 warm, clean beds for men, women and children.
• The Mission offers a free yearlong residential recovery program for men and women. The Christian Addiction Recovery and Education program (C.A.R.E.) is an intensive recovery program that focuses on the overall well-being of the client by addressing their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
• RSGM operates numerous facilities, including a downtown mission, men’s shelter, women’s shelter, emergency lodging for men, women and children, the area’s largest homeless shelter for men, transitional housing, warehouse and three thrift stores.
• We address morality, spirituality and self-discipline in all of our programs and services.
• RSGM operates the Reno Assistance Center (RAC), a 120-bed emergency overnight facility for men.
• The Mission’s work extends beyond its door into numerous community outreaches and services, including an annual back-to-school clothing giveaway for needy families, community pantry, free clothing, special events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the community, plus free furniture and household items to uninsured disaster victims.
• RSGM also operates a low-cost Christian counseling center designed to bring help to individuals suffering from past abuse, addictions, gambling, depression, anger management and hurting marriages.

Of those who complete our program, about 80% DO NOT return to their previous lifestyles.

We need your help to continue this large ministry. We can always use donations. But we also need your volunteer work. Your commerce support. And your material gifts.

Thank you for caring and sharing.