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A Tradition of Service
Since 1960, City Rescue Mission has been committed to helping the down-and-out find real help, healing and hope through compassionate emergency services and innovative, biblically focused recovery programs.
We consider it a privilege to extend our hands to all those in need in Oklahoma City.
May 1, 1960
The Oklahoma City Christian Businessmen’s Committee founds City Rescue Mission (CRM) at 13 W. California Avenue and hires Herman Janzen as superintendent. Located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City’s old Skid Row, the Mission is a haven for countless transient men who called this area home. Herman’s wife, Lois, begins working with women and children.
August 29, 1965
The Mission has 20 beds, showers, meals and chapel for men. The Oklahoma City Times quotes Mrs. Janzen: “Oklahoma City has almost no place for the woman who is broke, stranded or down on her luck to go. Often, these women turn to prostitution as the only way out.”
June 24, 1967
Urban renewal forces CRM to move. With the help of local churches, CRM purchases a 2-story building at 523 S. Robinson. The new facility enables the Mission to double its capacity to 50 beds for men. The Mission pays to send homeless women and children to a nearby hotel.
December 1, 1970
The Oklahoma City Times reports CRM is the only mission in the city. The Janzens note that the homeless men are becoming younger and more families are hitting the streets.
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February 1977
The Mission operates under the motto “Soup, Soap and Salvation.” The Janzens retire and Milton Kalman becomes executive director. Mrs. Janzen sends a final letter to donors, citing the need for a family shelter.
1980
A local church donates additional property adjacent to the Mission, which includes a large building and two frame houses. “Rescue and Restoration” becomes a more descriptive motto.
1981
The Mission opens a temporary shelter for women.
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1983
CRM opens a family shelter, weekly medical clinic and education facility in the two houses. The Daily Oklahoman notes 60 churches support the Mission, and says, “In contrast to protestors lined up to fight many of the facilities proposed … for providing food and temporary housing for the poor, there was no opposition voiced to the City Rescue Mission’s application … to allow a temporary family shelter at the 200 block of SW 4th …. The City Council approved the permit unanimously.”
December 1985
CRM feeds 350-400 people daily. The Daily Oklahoman reports on the “new homeless”—farm workers, truck drivers, fertilizer and grain elevator operators and their families. A city task force reports that 5,264 in Oklahoma City are living on the streets—925 are children.
1992
The Belsky Brothers, long-time community businessmen, donate two properties in the 800 block of West California Avenue.
1994
The Mission initiates the SEEING THE LIGHT capital campaign to raise $4.6 million to renovate and construct a new campus.
1997
Rev. Glenn Cranfield becomes executive director of CRM.
1998
The Mission purchases the remainder of the 800 block of West California Avenue.
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1999
The capital campaign is successfully completed. Construction begins on the new facility, which will include shelter for 400 men, women and children, dental and medical clinics, adult education classrooms, a technical training center and other opportunities for growth.
2000
The Mission celebrates 40 years of service to Oklahoma City. In November, CRM opens the doors to its new state-of-the-art facility for homeless men, women and families.
2007
City Rescue Mission serves more than 1,200 meals a day and sleeps more than 500 men, women and children each night. The Mission’s comprehensive long-term recovery programs offer homeless and addicted men, women and children the support they need to successfully rebuild their lives.
September 2007
Rev. Tom Jones is named president and CEO of CRM.
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