Over a hundred years ago, five men and women felt called to dedicate their lives to the poor and disenfranchised of inner city Boston. Their desire to serve unfolded into a mission that would continue throughout and beyond the next century. The Boston Rescue Mission was founded on March 14, 1899 by these five pioneers in a tiny vacant property on 128 Merrimac Street. After a few months, they relocated to 134 Merrimac Street, now occupied by the Celtics administrative offices near the TD Banknorth Garden. Prior to the formation of the Mission, the tenants at that location had run a saloon. When the Mission became incorporated in 1904, it was then described as "a bar-room transformed into a life-saving station."

In 1908, the Mission moved to 105 Staniford Street, a section of town that at this time was much more in need of shelter services. In 1965, the redevelopment that was taking place in the West End forced the Mission to move again, this time to Massachusetts Avenue. In the summer of 1975, the Boston Rescue Mission purchased the property on Kingston Street where it resides today.

Today, the Boston Rescue Mission continues to aid the homeless and poor of Greater Boston to self-sufficiency by assisting women and men in confronting and overcoming the root causes of their homelessness. To this end, the Mission provides basic life necessities such as food and shelter as well as social service programs. The goal is to provide the homeless and poor with the support, training, and resources necessary to sustain independent living for a lifetime.