Opening of the Helping Hand Mission.
Altho not advertised, the demand created by men’s needs almost forced the opening of our mission, 641 Commercial Street, San Francisco. It was opened the evening of February 27. Five men were given beds the first night, and fifteen the second. There were four men seeking the Lord the first evening, two the second, four the third. (See the report of secretary on page 12.) Books of irredeemable coupon tickets are issued, consisting of 100 one-cent coupons for $1.00. One of these coupons entitles the holder to a choice of several dishes of food; and five will secure him a good meal. Ten coupons will secure him a good clean bed, preceded by a free bath. While he sleeps, his clothes are fumigated, and in the morning he may wash and dry them if he desires. Any one who desires to help the penniless may purchase coupons, and if he can not use them, he can place them in the hands of the mission chaplain, who will use them as the donor directs. These coupons, being irredeemable, can not be expended for drink. We are sure that residents of San Francisco will be glad to use these coupons personally, and many at a distance will be glad to use them by proxy.