History
Kokomo Rescue Mission History
Since 1953 Kokomo Rescue Mission, Inc., a non-denominational Christian social service ministry, has provided a Christ-centered response to the problems of poverty and homelessness in North Central Indiana.
1953 - Mission Opens
Kokomo Rescue Mission opens on February 23 in a storefront at 115 S. Union St.
1958-60 - Outreach Expands
As outreach expands, KRM moves to larger quarters on S. Main St., joining an international association of missions in 1960.
1963 - Mortgage Burned
Level of community support for the mission and its programs becomes evident when a fundraising drive pays off the mortgage on the mission's property.
1965 - Mission Moves
Finding a more desirable location with the visibility of downtown, the Mission moves to the corner of Mulberry and Washington. The new location houses a wide span of services, from child evangelism classes to alcohol recovery for men.
1971 Store Opens
The Care and Share Store opens to provide merchandise at reasonable prices and distribute free clothing and household goods to those who cannot afford to pay.
1976 Financial Aid
The board authorizes an emergency financial aid fund as a way to prevent homelessness
1979 Family House
The number of homeless families has increased so much that KRM purchases an adjacent house for a shelter called the Family House.
1981 Public Dining Room
During a period of high unemployment, overwhelming need prompts the Mission to open its dining room to the public.
1994-98 Capital Campaign Hands of Service.
Hope for the Heart Campaign raises $1.9 million to build a new Mission headquarters building housing the men's shelter, chapel, dining room and offices
2003 Open Arms
On July 1, 2003, the women and children move into a new shelter called Open Arms, located at 929 N. Main St.
2007 Clinton County
On June 2, 2007, KRM launches Clinton County Ministry of Hope, serving a free supper every Tuesday evening in Frankfort.
2010 Food to You
On May 5, 2010, KRM launches a mobile food pantry in cooperation with Kokomo Urban Outreach.