NEW YORK, NY November 06, 2009 —While the Yankees toasted their 27th World Series, there was another celebration on the Bowery. Today is the 100th anniversary of The Bowery Mission chapel. The privately funded social service organization offers meals, shelter and rehab programs to homeless men and women.

The Homeless Services Commissioner, Robert Hess, says the Mission has been a great partner, by supplementing the city's shelter system. "There’s plenty of time to celebrate 27 World Series, and we’re appreciative of that. But this is a hundred years of transforming thousands, and thousands, and thousands of lives and I can’t think of any place I’d rather be," Hess says.

The Mission's chapel opened its signature red doors for the first time on Nov. 7, 1909. President William Howard Taft was on hand for the event.