Our Mission

Iron Gate's mission is simple. We feed the hungry of Tulsa—every day. We feed people in three ways, through our Soup Kitchen, Grocery Pantry, and Kid’s Pack Pantry. 

We call those who eat at Iron Gate our “guests” because we invite them to eat with us. Our philosophy is we are all guests on this earth and guests treat one another with courtesy, kindness, and respect.

Our Vision

To be a friendly, welcoming place where all are greeted with a smile—a place of comfort and wholesome food, and a temporary respite from the major problems awaiting our guests outside our gates—unemployment, poverty, health care, shelter, transportation, and more.

History

In 1978, three Trinity Episcopal Church parishioners, Keenan Barnard, Gene Buzzard, and Rev. John C. Powers, stepped outside a men’s Bible study class to make a homeless man a sandwich.  The ministry grew and the word on the street spread: “If you’re hungry, go to the church with the iron gate.”

Iron Gate legally separated from the church and became its own 501(c)3 organization in 1984. Since opening, Iron Gate has never turned anyone away who was hungry. After 41 years in the basement of Trinity Episcopal Church, Iron Gate moved into a new facility in Downtown Tulsa. Thanks to the generosity of private foundations, corporations, the faith community and individuals, we continue serving the hungry of Tulsa—every day.

Iron Gate’s Founders:
Gene Buzzard (1946-2020), Rev. John C. Powers (1936-2021) , Keenan Barnard