A colorful history of lives rescued on New York City's infamous boulevard of broken dreams.
The Bowery has long been one of New York City's most notorious streets, a magnet for gangsters, hucksters, and hobos. And despite sweeping changes, it is still all too often the end of the road for troubled war veterans, drug addicts, the mentally ill, the formerly incarcerated, and others generally down on their luck. Against this backdrop, for 140 years, Christians of every stripe have been coming together at the Bowery Mission to offer hearty meals, hot showers, clean beds, warm clothes - and, for thousands of homeless over the years, the help they need to get off the streets and back on their feet.
Jason Storbakken, a recent Bowery director, retraces that colorful history and profiles some of the illustrious characters that have made the Bowery an iconic New York institution. His book offers a lens through which to better understand the changing faces of homelessness, of American Christianity, and of New York City itself - all of which converge daily at the Bowery Mission's red doors.
"Reading Bowery Mission immediately brings to mind the scripture, 'Faith without works is dead.' Jason Storbakken reminds us that to be effective in ministry we must get our hands dirty and take risks. If you are still doing 'safe' ministry, this exciting history will inspire you to hit the streets, where you might very well be changed yourself."
Glen Guyton, Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA
"Bowery Mission: Grit and Grace on Manhattan's Oldest Street recounts the original vision and ongoing saga of the Bowery Mission as it continues to help the neediest among us on the streets of New York City. Jason Storbakken has written with skill and transparency as he relates one poignant story after another."
Jim Cymbala, Pastor, Brooklyn Tabernacle
"Storbakken chronicles the Bowery Mission's beginnings on New York City's oldest, roughest street, and its formidable challenge to bring food, shelter, clothing, jobs, and rehabilitation to the down and out. The book's most moving moments give testament to lives turned back from addiction and despair. Storbakken does not shy away from the grim sights and smells of rescue work; neither does he cond
David Mulkins, President, Bowery Alliance of Neighbors
