FACTS ON HOMELESS
Rev. and Mrs. Charles C. Thomas, Sr. founded Haven of Rest Rescue Mission in 1943 as a Christian, social service organization providing emergency and residential care to the disadvantaged people of the community. Due to the growing needs in the Akron area, the mission expanded in 1979 to include the Marjorie Ruth Thomas Harvest Home, a shelter for women and children in crisis circumstances. In January 1, 1985 the ministry’s corporate name was changed to Haven of Rest Ministries, Inc. It is currently one of the largest private social service organizations in a seven-county area. Its doors are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Through its total person approach, Haven of Rest Ministries provides a feeding program, emergency shelter, housing, resident rehabilitation programs, educational classes (including computer literacy, GED, parenting, AIDS health awareness classes, etc.), career development assistance, After Care program, counseling, advocacy, clothing, and limited dental/medical care for over 600 men, women, and children daily.

Ministry Stats:
In 2009 Haven of Rest provided the following:
• 275,487 meals
• 64,299 nights of lodging
• 232,085 pounds of clothing

Holiday Meals:
• 685 meals were provided on Easter
• 738 meals were provided on Thanksgiving Day
• 737 meals were provided on Christmas Day 

Ministry Impact:
Haven of Rest continues to play a vital role in the community by responding, as it has since 1943, to the plight of the poor and homeless. This includes meeting immediate physical needs such as food, shelter, clothing and basic medical/dental care to providing residential rehabilitation programs that help destitute men and women overcome the problems that have led to their poverty and homelessness. By working to better the lives of poor and homeless individuals, we are contributing to the overall quality of life of our communities.

Haven of Rest provides a variety of services to the homeless, the new poor, battered women and children, rape victims, alcoholics, drug addicts, evictees, parolees, runaways, transients, indigents, and those with minimal mental and physical disabilities. Diversified services, offered to these individuals and families without charge, provide hope for a new way of life and self-sufficiency. The mission serves an average of 600 people daily and provides over 220,000 meals and 65,000 nights of lodgings annually.

Community Involvement:
For 68 years Haven of Rest Ministries has made helping people a priority by providing the tools they need to change their lives and break the cycle of poverty. Community leaders commend the daily outreach of this organization, funded entirely by voluntary contributions. In addition, Haven of Rest has a strong history of collaboration and has been recognized by numerous organizations in the area including the Summit County Social Services Advisory Board and Community Support Services.

Staff members are involved on the following community task forces and committees: Summit County HMIS, Homeless Agency Network, Emergency Task Force, HIV/AIDS Interdisciplinary Team, Community Welfare Forum, Akron’s Police and Fire Safety Depts, Homeless Coalition & Hunger Task Force, Akron Public Schools’ Project Rise, Citizens Advisory Council Children Services, Child & Family Leadership Exchange, and the Summa Health System Community Health Advisory Committee.

In addition, Haven of Rest works with Family Promise and Access in terms of referrals, clothing needs, and client exchanges should extenuating circumstances require that one of their clients come to HRM or vice versa. When Access lost electrical power, their women and children came to the mission until power returned. Also, Access women and children are invited and attend special programs at Haven of Rest such as plays put on by the Children’s Theater.

For Additional Information:
• AGRM Fact Sheet - a quick outline of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions and our programs
• What is the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions? - Learn about this association of 294 organizations that help the homeless and other needy inner city people. (Our Facilities)
• The New Face of Rescue by Ray Bakke
• Jerry McAuley Mission Brings a New Day for Rescue to New York by Jim VarnHagen
• "Despite a Changing Client Base, Rescue Missions Continue to Work" by Steve Burger
• "Union Rescue Mission Changes to Meet Los Angeles" Shifting Needs by Michael Teague
• Providing Blueprints to Rebuild Broken Lives in Los Angeles                                                                                 • Christian Community Development Association website