History of Haven of Rest Ministries

Haven of Rest Ministries began as a “calling” in the hearts of Rev. and Mrs. Charles C. Thomas. Their burden for the poor, the homeless, and the spiritually destitute led them to establish a rescue mission in a tiny storeroom at 41 North Howard Street in Akron.

Supported by a small group of Christian friends who shared their vision, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas gave themselves totally to the work. The hours were long and the pay, if any, was very small.

The little chapel, located between a “greasy spoon” restaurant and a poultry house, seated just 40 people. There were no facilities for feeding and housing. Often, after evening services, the Thomas’ would take homeless people home with them to spend the night. As financial support increased, they began the practice of supplying food and lodging vouchers to those in need.

Word of Haven of Rest’s efforts to help hurting, disadvantaged people rebuild their broken lives spread quickly. Soon, there was clearly a need for a larger building.

In a step of faith, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas moved Haven of Rest to a former hotel at 78 North Howard Street. Dedication ceremonies took place on Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943. Akron had its first, full-fledged rescue mission
There were rooms to house transient men, a kitchen and dining room to feed the hungry, an auditorium, and a prayer chapel. Four years later an alcoholic ward was added, and Haven of Rest soon became a recognized facility for the treatment of alcoholism.

Lives were being changed! People who had been a burden to themselves, their families, and the community were becoming responsible citizens. Haven of Rest’s method of ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its clients proved to be an effective means of rehabilitation.

Its unwavering commitment to the Christian principles upon which it had been founded brought Haven of Rest both respect and support from those who recognized and appreciated its positive impact upon the community.

In 1952, having outgrown its North Howard Street building, Haven of Rest broke ground for a new rescue mission building that contained a clinic for those suffering with alcohol abuse addiction on East Buchtel Avenue near The University of Akron campus.

Three years later, it stood as testimony to Rev. and Mrs. Thomas’ hard work and willingness to trust God for the seemingly impossible. The $500,000 structure opened with only an $80,000 mortgage that was paid off within two years.

When expansion of The University of Akron made it necessary for Haven of Rest to give up its Buchtel Avenue location, God provided an even better one at 175 East Market Street. Construction of a modern, more functional rescue mission was completed in 1974 at a cost of $1.2 million. Two years later, Rev. Charles C. Thomas passed away and was succeeded by his son, Rev. Curtis Thomas, who had served as assistant executive director since 1957.

Times were changing. Homeless and disadvantaged people with different kinds of problems began coming to Haven of Rest seeking help. They were younger, there were more of them, and a greater percentage of them were women.

So dramatic was the increase in female homelessness that in 1979 Haven of Rest constructed a separate facility specifically to meet the need. The Marjorie Ruth Thomas Harvest Home for women and children in crisis situations was built at a cost of $417,000. It was quickly recognized as one of the community’s most important assets.

Homelessness continued its upward spiral, and by 1987 Haven of Rest, for the first time in its history, found itself having to turn people away because of a lack of room. Its Board of Trustees approved a plan of expansion, and in January 1988 Haven of Rest launched a $2.5 million “Caring Through Sharing” capital campaign to fund the expansion. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support from individuals, churches, foundations, and businesses. Additions and renovations to both the Rescue Mission and Harvest Home were completed in the summer of 1989, increasing Haven of Rest’s capacity by more than 50%.

It is interesting to note that the addition of a day room to the main Rescue Mission building opened up a new and important area of ministry. For the first time, Haven of Rest was able to make contact with scores of homeless it had been unable to reach before and offer them the assistance they needed to reclaim their lives.

In 1993, Haven of Rest observed its 50th anniversary, pausing to reflect upon a half-century of faithful service and, more importantly, plan for the future. Significantly, those plans called for not just structural expansion, but also the implementation of new programs and services designed to break and prevent the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and despair.

Early in 1994, the Board of Trustees recognized the urgent need for additional facilities. Its members voted unanimously to build a 37,000 squarefoot Client Services Center and have it operational early in 1995. At the same time, the Trustees voted to conduct a $2.8 million capital campaign to cover the cost of the Client Services Center. Once again, public support was overwhelming. The Center was completed in December 1994, three months ahead of schedule. By July 1998 all debt on the building had been eliminated.

On April 9, 1996, Marjorie Ruth Thomas, co-founder of Haven of Rest Ministries, passed way at the age of 88. Her death marked the end of an era in Haven of Rest’s history. For more than 33 years Mrs. Thomas and her husband labored side by side, extending the Samaritan hand of help to thousands of needy men, women, and children. After Rev. C. C. Thomas’ death in 1976, she remained active in the work for several more years.

After 90 combined years of service at Haven of Rest (Curt for 46 years and Eileen for 44 years), Rev. and Mrs. Thomas retired on June 30, 2003. Rev. Thomas assumed the title of executive director emeritus and serves as a consultant to the ministry, particularly in the area of development. Eileen serves in a volunteer capacity. Rev. Ben W. Walker was asked by the Haven of Rest Board of Trustees to succeed Rev. Thomas as executive director effective July 1, 2003.

Rev. Walker joined Haven of Rest Ministries as director of the men’s division in 1987. In 1994 he became director of operations overseeing ten departments, and in July 2003 he became executive director of the mission. During his 23 years at the mission, Rev. Walker has continued the work of care and encouragement and has seen God miraculously change lives.

In October of 2009, Rev. Walker announced his retirement effective December 31, 2010. In April 2010, Rev. Jeffrey A. Kaiser was named executive director elect. The Board of Trustees welcomed Rev. Walker’s decision to stay on to assure a seamless transition in leadership to Rev. Kaiser on January 1, 2011.

Born and raised in Akron, Rev. Kaiser attended North High School and later earned his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Akron. He began his career at Haven of Rest in 1997, working for three years as evening shift supervisor. 

Rev. Kaiser then accepted the position of manager of residential services and in 2003 became director of the men’s division. He was ordained in 2004 through Middlebury Chapel in Akron. Rev. Kaiser has a heart for the needy and homeless of our community.

While change in leadership is inevitable, one thing remains constant at Haven of Rest – an unwavering commitment to serve and glorify God through a Christ-centered outreach of love and compassion. The Christian love and compassion upon which the mission was founded in 1943 continues to be the standard by which Haven of Rest operates. That will never change.

History of Haven of Rest Ministries

Haven of Rest Ministries! It began as a “calling” in the hearts of Rev. and Mrs. Charles C. Thomas. Their burden for the poor, the homeless, and the spiritually destitute led them to establish a rescue mission in a tiny storefront at 41 North Howard Street in Akron. 

Supported by a small group of Christian friends who shared their vision, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas gave themselves totally to the work. The hours were long and the pay, if any, was very small. 

The little chapel, located between a “greasy spoon” restaurant and a poultry house, seated just 40 people. There were no facilities for feeding and housing. Often, after evening services, the Thomases would take homeless people home with them to spend the night. As financial support increased, they began the practice of supplying food and lodging vouchers to those in need. 

Word of Haven of Rest’s efforts to help hurting, disadvantaged people rebuild their broken lives spread quickly. Soon there was clearly a need for a larger building. 

In a step of faith, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas moved Haven of Rest to a former hotel at 78 North Howard Street. Dedication ceremonies took place on Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943. Akron had its first, full-fledged rescue mission! 

There were rooms to house transient men, a kitchen and dining room to feed the hungry, an auditorium, and a prayer chapel. Four yours later an alcoholic ward was added, and Haven of Rest soon became a recognized facility for the treatment of alcoholism. 

Lives were being changed! People who had been a burden to themselves, their families, and the community were becoming responsible citizens. 

Haven of Rest’s method of ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its clients proved to be an effective means of rehabilitation. 

Its unwavering commitment to the Christian principles upon which it had been founded brought Haven of Rest both respect and support from those who recognized and appreciated its positive impact upon the community. 

In 1952, having outgrown its North Howard Street building, Haven of Rest broke ground for a new rescue mission and alcoholic clinic on East Buchtel Avenue near The University of Akron campus.

Three years later, it stood as testimony to Rev. and Mrs. Thomas’ hard work and willingness to trust God for the seemingly impossible. The $500,000 structure opened with only an $80,000 mortgage that was paid off within two years. 

When expansion of The University of Akron made it necessary for Haven of Rest to give up its Buchtel Avenue location, God provided an even better one at 175 East Market Street. Construction of a modern, more functional rescue mission was completed in 1974 at a cost of $1.2 million. 

Two years later, Rev. Charles C. Thomas passed away and was succeeded by his son, Rev. Curtis Thomas, who had served as assistant executive director since 1957.

Times were changing. A new breed of homeless, disadvantaged people began coming to Haven of Rest seeking help. They were younger. There were more of them. A greater percentage of them were women. 

So dramatic was the increase in female homelessness that in 1979 Haven of Rest constructed a separate facility specifically to meet the need. The Marjorie Ruth Thomas Harvest Home for women and children in crisis situations was built at a cost of $417,000. It was quickly recognized as one of the community’s most important assets. 

Homelessness continued its upward spiral. By 1987 Haven of Rest, for the first time in its history, found itself having to turn people away because of lack of room. 

A plan of expansion was approved by the Board of Trustees, and in January 1988 Haven of Rest launched a $2.5 million “Caring Through Sharing” capital campaign to fund the expansion. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses. 

Additions and renovations to both the Rescue Mission and Harvest Home were completed in the summer of 1989, increasing Haven of Rest’s capacity by more than 50%. 

It is interesting to note that the addition of a day room to the main Rescue Mission building opened up a new and important area of ministry. 

For the first time, Haven of Rest was able to make contact with scores of “street people” it had been unable to reach before and offer them the assistance they needed to begin the reclamation of their lives. 

In 1993 Haven of Rest observed its 50th anniversary, pausing to reflect upon a half-century of God's faithfulness and to plan for the future. 

Significantly, those plans called for not just structural expansion but also the implementation of new programs and services designed to break and prevent the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and despair that is so prevalent in our society today. 

Early in 1994, the Board of Trustees recognized the urgent need for additional facilities. Its members voted unanimously to build a 37,000 square foot Client Services Center and have it operational early in 1995. The Center was completed in December 1994, three months ahead of schedule. 

A $2.8 million capital campaign to cover the cost of new the Client Services Center was conducted. Once again, public support was overwhelming. By July 1998, all debt on the building had been eliminated. 

On April 9, 1996, Marjorie Ruth Thomas, co-founder of Haven of Rest Ministries, passed away at the age of 88. Her death marked the end of an era in Haven of Rest’s history. 

For more than 33 years Mrs. Thomas and her husband labored side by side, extending the Samaritan hand of help to thousands of hurting men, women, and children. After Rev. C. C. Thomas’ death in 1976, she had remained active in the work for several more years. 

Rev. Curtis and Eileen Thomas retired on June 30, 2003, after 90 combined years of service at Haven of Rest (Curt 46, and Eileen 44). Rev. Thomas assumed the title as a consultant to the ministry, particularly in the area of development. Eileen, serves in a volunteer capacity. 

Rev. Ben W. Walker was asked by the Haven of Rest Board of Trustees to succeed Rev. Thomas as executive director effective July 1, 2003. Rev. Walker has been with the mission since 1987 serving as director of the men’s division and then as the director of operations. 

Today, the Christian love and compassion upon which the mission was founded in 1943 continues to be the standard by which Haven of Rest operates.