SHREVEPORT — BHP Billiton Petroleum donated industrial-grade coats, blue jeans and overalls valued at more than $15,000 to the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission in Downtown Shreveport.
The company partnered with Mark Porter of Porter’s Cleaners for donated cleaning and transportation of the items.
"BHP Billiton Petroleum is honored to support this outstanding community organization’s mission to minister to homeless men, women and families with children; feeding, clothing and providing shelter and healing services," BHP Billiton Petroleum Manager of External Affairs, Tommy Clark, said in a prepared statement. "As members of the communities where we operate, our company looks forward to these awards as the donations go directly to programs that give assistance and hope to our families, friends and neighbors in the Ark-La-Tex region."
The donations will be distributed to the over 1000 people seeking help and refuge through the Rescue Mission’s services. Porter’s Cleaners and BHP Billiton Petroleum are both recognized establishments with long-term history and heritage of giving back to the community. BHP Billiton Petroleum makes this donation following the most recent building dedication of their 70,000 square-foot office complex located at the corner of E. Preston and Knight Streets in Shreveport.
Rev. Henry Martin, Executive Director of Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, said his organization will use the donation to help the homeless in Northwest Louisiana get through the cold winter season. “We are thankful for the generosity of BHP Billiton Petroleum and Porter’s Cleaners to make these jackets, jeans, and overalls available to our guests here at the Rescue Mission.”
Within the past year, over 1,000 people sought help through the local Rescue Mission programs, and over 135,000 meals were served. Under Rev. Martin’s leadership, SBRM’s staff has grown over the past 26 years from two to 50 employees. The 172-bed facility built at 901 McNeil Street opened in 2007 and helps address the growing needs of homeless women and families with children. The new facility also has a medical and dental clinic providing free care, and a Christ-centered recovery program.
