Knox Area Rescue Ministries has been restoring lives in Jesus' name since 1960. KARM was founded on December 8, 1960 by five local pastors who recognized the necessity for a permanent ministry to the homeless in Knoxville. These men envisioned a truly effective ministry that would share the love of Jesus Christ by meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of lost, hurting people.

Today, the need has never been greater for what KARM provides. Consider:

• KARM serves up to 1,600 meals a day to the poor and homeless.
• Over 400 men, women and children call KARM home each night.
• 139,856 spent the night at KARM last year.

2010 is a Jubilee year for Knox Area Rescue Ministries. We're celebrating 50 years of helping the poor and needy of the Knox Area. It's a celebration of thousands of nourishing meals provided to the hungry. A time to rejoice how those addicted to drugs and alcohol have been given shelter and help for their addiction. And a time to honor how KARM has helped those in search of their own personal jubilee a way to find new life through Jesus Christ.

1960

June – Rev. Dan Phillips, Pastor Memorial Baptist Church, McCalla Avenue in Knoxville is the anniversary event speaker at the Shreveport Union Mission. This experience created a burden to do something for the homeless men of Knoxville.

September – Rev. Phillips had recruited Rev. Gerrit J. Jager to come to Knoxville to organize a mission. A series of meetings began with local businessmen and clergy leaders. The meetings took place at what his now the historic S & W Cafeteria on Gay Street and 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church (Rev. Wallace Morton).

December 8 – The new organization was named Knoxville Union Rescue Mission and the following board members were appointed:

The Heska Amuna Synagogue on 5th Avenue was selected to house the mission. After hearing about the work being started here in Knoxville, the Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster, PA board of directors pledged $500 ($3,527 equivalent 2009) towards the down payment. Each of the 15 KURM board members committed personal funds to complete the down payment.

1961

February 26 – KURM held it's official grand opening; Rev. Perry E. Mobley was the speaker

March 13 - First chapel service was held officiated by Rev. Elton Jones (Central Methodist Church); 7 men sought shelter

In the first 140 days of operation, KURM:

• Provided 2,215 bed nights
• Served 5,732 meals
• had 1,220 men request prayer
• and had 46 men make their profession of faith

Rev. Jager was the only paid staff member, but he was assisted by 5 full-time volunteers: Mrs. Jager and their son Joe, James Washam, Walter Hammer and Herbert Mize. Mr. Mize came to the mission seeking shelter. He became a Christian (at the shelter) on March 19, 1961 and stayed on as a full-time volunteer.

The initial operating budget was $1,500 per month and included Rev. Jager’s salary and $300 monthly mortgage payment.

KURM's first public fundraising drive was to recruit at least "2,000 folks to send us one dollar each month."

Ladies' Auxiliary formed. This group quilted (we have a photo), canned, and "worked tirelessly at the Mission."

Bargain Center (first Thrift Store) opened at the corner of Gay Street & Magnolia

1972

The mission moved to 511 North Broadway - operated with 30 beds for overnight shelter and a long-term program to aid men in getting off the street permanently.

1976

June 1 - the first 15 years of service, KURM:

• Provided 69,592 bed nights
• Served 225,356 meals
• Had 10,371 men request prayer
• And had 1,651 men make a profession of faith

1980

Gerrit Jager retired and Don Price was selected as the second "superintendent" (now called President)

1982

Opened the Carr Medical/Dental Clinic - free medical clinic for anyone who couldn't afford to go to the doctor

1983

First Thanksgiving Tent of Hope

1984

Purchased the Knoxville Motor Company (Home of the World's Oldest Rambler Dealership) property at 418 North Broadway and the Bargain Center was moved to the first floor

1985

Don Price died suddenly of a brain aneurysm and F. Monroe Free was selected as the third "director" (now called President)

The mission expanded by purchasing the property next to its 511 North Broadway main building. 90 additional beds were added

1986

July - Serenity Shelter opens to serve women and children fleeing from domestic abuse

1987

The mission went through its first renovation and updated the chapel and dining hall

1989

Mount Rest Home closed and the property was donated to KURM for use as a domestic violence shelter. Serenity Shelter was moved to this location and provided 48 beds to women and children fleeing from domestic violence

Barnabas House located at 18th and Clinch Streets opened as a transitional housing program for homeless men.

KARM (yearly total for 1989):

• Served 94,721 meals
• Provided 34,234 beds

1990

Named changed from Knoxville Union Rescue Mission to Knox Area Rescue Ministries

November - 225 Thanksgiving Baskets were distributed to the poor in the community

KARM (yearly total for 1990):

• Total income: $1.1 million
• Served 111,030 meals (avg. 550 meals per day)
• Provided 41,033 beds

1991

KARM (yearly total for 1991):

• Total income: $1.4 million
• Served 124,743 meals
• Provided 46,338 beds

1992

KARM received "Certified Excellent" rating by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. KARM was the third mission in the country to receive such a designation which it still holds. Today KARM is one of only 22 out of 300 member rescue missions with this highest designation.

KARM (yearly total for 1992):

• Total income: $1.6 million
• Served 163,710 meals
• Provided 64,875 beds
• (The men's overnight shelter had 120 beds)

1993

KARM (yearly total for 1993):

• Total Income: $1.7 million
• Served 151,968 meals
• Provided 59,288 beds

1994

KARM (yearly total for 1994):

• Total Income: $1.7 million
• Served 139,020 meals
• Provided 55,937 beds
• Provided 500 Thanksgiving baskets to the poor
• Partnered with WIVK Radio to start Coats for the Cold

1995

KARM (yearly total for 1995):

• Total income: $1.9 million
• Served 133,355 meals
• Provided 51,276 beds
• Provided 750 Thanksgiving baskets to the poor

1996

Serenity Shelter renovated with enhanced security features, secure playground, family room, dining area and housing for 30 women many of whom were now no longer fleeing domestic violence but actually homeless women transitioning off of the streets.

1997

KARM (yearly total for 1997):

In response to the growing numbers of homeless families, KARM opened New Life Inn with 48 beds.

• Total income: $1.6 million
• Served 163,710 meals
• Provided 64,875 beds
• (The men's overnight shelter had 120 beds)

1998

January - quiet phase of a $6.2 million capital campaign began to renovate the 481 North Broadway property to house a men's and women's overnight shelter, men's recovery program and shelter for homeless families.

2000

KARM's annual budget is $3.1 million

2001

February - Brennan Manning spoke at KARM's annual fundraising banquet

KARM Board of Directors in partnership with a group of concerned citizens in Sevier County launched Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries.

2002

Knox Area Rescue Ministries moves to its newly renovated, full service facility at its current location of 418 North Broadway.

The Bargain Center is closed and the first KARM Thrift Store opened at 3935 Western Avenue

2003

Monroe Free resigns and Burt Rosen is selected by the Board as President and CEO.

2004

KARM Thrift Stores LLC is established and the second KARM Thrift Stores opens at 115 Sherlake Road

In partnership with Second Harvest (now Feeding America), the Abundant Life Kitchen culinary arts/job training program begins

In partnership with Emerald Youth Foundation, services and programming for children were expanded.

2008

KARM opens Crossroads Welcome Center. More than a day room, Crossroads offers a safe place to get off the streets, store baggage, use phone and computers (job applications), have access to restrooms, receive traveler's aid as well as meet with staff and volunteers from more that 15 community ministries and service providers.

2009

Clean Start - Commercial cleaning job training program began in partnership with Kelsan

KARM opens its 6th Thrift Store on Hall of Fame Drive.

Over 2000 Thanksgiving Baskets were distributed to the poor