Our History
我們的歷史
When Gum Moon was first established in 1868, it was with the goal of providing shelter, education, and vocational training for Chinese girls rescued from human trafficking. A group of dedicated women was in charge of running it, and they later became known as the Women’s Missionary Society of the Pacific Coast. The residence became a home for low-income Chinese women who were either studying or are employed who otherwise could not afford housing. Today, Gum Moon has expanded to serve women of all ages, and all backgrounds in geographical and social transition.
Gum Moon’s History—A Timeline
1860-1870s
The Methodist Mission, also known as the Oriental Home and School, at 916 Washington Street in San Francisco’s Chinatown was established by Otis T. Gibson to provide shelter, education and vocational training for Chinese girls rescued from human trafficking.
The dedicated group of women running the home formalized their efforts by becoming the Women’s Missionary Society of the Pacific Coast.
1880s
The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law by President Chester Arthur, suspending Chinese immigration to the United States; as a result, the Oriental Home and School formed a kindergarten for Chinese children that could not attend public schools
Early 1900s
The Oriental Home and School was destroyed by the tragic 1906 San Francisco earthquake and was rebuilt at 940 Washington Street
1940s
The Oriental Home was renamed to Gum Moon, or “Golden Door”, and served as a dormitory for young Chinese women who were employed or in school.
1980 - 1990
Gum Moon expanded its services by starting the Asian Women’s Resource Center and initial services included ESL classes and Employment and Referral programs.
Gum Moon began its first Parent-Child development Program with just 10 children using a seed grant from United Methodist Women in 1990.
Early 2000s
Through its Asian Women’s Resource Center, Gum Moon opened Asian Family Support Centers in the Richmond and Sunset neighborhoods of San Francisco in 2003.
Gum Moon made $3.4M in improvements to their existing 100-year old building, originally designed by architect Julia Morgan. The renovations included ADA accessibility, a seismic retrofit, and new kitchen and laundry facilities for residents.
2018
Gum Moon celebrates 150 years of history