The ministry of The Shelter started in 1971, and was initiated by the association Tot Heil des Volks ('For the salvation of the people'), a registered charity in Amsterdam. Since 1855 this non-denominational organization has been doing missionary work in Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands.

History

Tot Heil des Volks was founded in 1855 by the Rev. Jan de Liefde. Out of compassion for the poor families in the Amsterdam city center, the organization helped provide clothing and food, and, most importantly, schooling. From the beginning the organization was focused on bringing the Gospel of Christ in words and deeds. When the government started offering schooling for all citizen of Amsterdam, some of the school buildings that were owned by Tot Heil des Volk became empty. During the Flower Power of the early 1970's the organization recognized the spiritual need of the many hippies that were flocking to Amsterdam. In the summer of 1971 one of the schools was therefore turned into a youth hostel. Because of the success, the next year a second school became a youth hostel as well.

Other ministries

Today, various Amsterdam based ministries are connected to Tot Heil des Volks. Among these are:

• The Scarlet Cord, a ministry to the prostitutes in the Red Light District
• The walk-in center AHA, provides hospitality and care for homeless people.
• Different, provides counseling for people struggling with sexual identity problems
• CHAP, provides counseling for people struggling with sex-addiction