1943 >>> Haven of Rest begins as a "calling" in the hearts of Rev. and Mrs. Charles C. Thomas. They open a storefront rescue mission on Akron's North Howard Street. A short time later, Haven of Rest moves to a former hotel on North Howard Street. Its method of ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its clients proves to be a highly effective means of rehabilitation.

1952 >>> Haven of Rest breaks ground for a new, much larger Rescue Mission and Alcoholic Clinic on E. Buchtel Ave. near the University of Akron campus. The $500,000 structure opens three years later with only an $80,000 mortgage that was paid off in two years.

1974 >>> When expansion of the University of Akron makes it necessary for Haven of Rest to give up its Buchtel Ave. location, God provides an even better one at 175 E. Market St. in Akron where a modern, more functional rescue mission is constructed.


1976 >>> Rev. Charles C. Thomas passes away and is succeeded by his son, Rev. Curtis Thomas, who had served as assistant director since 1957.

1979 >>> Haven of Rest builds Harvest Home in response to the needs of a growing number of women in crisis situations. It is quickly recognized as one of the community's most important social service assets.


1988 >>> Haven of Rest conducts successful $2.5 million capital campaign enabling it to expand and renovate its main Rescue Mission building and Harvest Home. Capacity is increased by more than 50%.

1993 >>> Haven of Rest observes its 50th anniversary.

1994 >>> Haven of Rest launches second successful capital campaign, raising $2.8 million to construct new Client Services Center to better meet the needs of indigent and homeless people. The Center opens in December.

1996 >>> Marjorie Ruth Thomas, co-founder of Haven of Rest, passes away at age 88. For more than 33 years she labored with her husband to extend the Samaritan hand of help to thousands of hurting people.

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.