Gateway to Hope — Gateway to Hope, a new resource center for the homeless in Tyler, will hold an open house event today to educate the public on its facility and say "thank you" to the volunteers who helped get it started.

"This is so they can see what their money or time did," executive director Pat Mallory said.

Gateway to Hope was created when nonprofit leaders noticed a gap in services that the homeless often need to better their lives. The facility, on 601 E. Vine St., was donated by the city as part of the initiative to address homelessness in Tyler.

"It's about giving a hand up to the homeless," Ms. Mallory said. "A lot of people are giving a hand out. Here they will find all the instruments they need to go out and get a job."

Gateway to Hope offers P.O. boxes (many employers require a mailing address), a place to get a photo ID made, lockers, a message center, computer access, a barber shop, showers, washers and dryers to do laundry and a place to network with representatives from other nonprofit agencies and employment agencies.

"We're here to make them proud of who they are and what they can do," Ms. Mallory said.

The open house event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the facility on 601 E. Valentine St. Call 903-752-9343 for more information. The facility will open for business at 8 a.m. on Monday.