Our history
EST. 1975
50 Years of Hope
From handing out sandwiches from the back of a car to serving thousands across the Tennessee Valley, explore the history of the Downtown Rescue Mission.
1975
The Downtown Rescue Mission was Founded
Bernard and Mary Ann Thompson officially founded the Mission with partners Bobby LeCroy and Curtis Easton on the corner of Holmes Avenue and Jefferson Street.
1977
First Expansion
We purchased the 9th Avenue building and occupied it by November, marking the Mission's first expansion.
1980
The Mission Relocates
We closed the Holmes Avenue location and fully relocated operations to the 9th Avenue campus.
1981
Chapel Campaign
We launched a campaign to fund construction for a chapel on the 9th Avenue campus.
1982
Women's Auxiliary
The Women's Auxiliary was formed to support homeless women and the growing ministry.
1983
Work Therapy & Thrift Store
The Mission shifted toward work therapy programs and opened its first on-campus thrift store.
1996
New Leadership
Darwin "Doc" Overholt became the executive director and began transitioning the Mission from work therapy to recovery.
2000
Keith Overholt Joins DRM
Keith Overholt joined the Mission team, helping shape the next generation of ministry.
2001
Women's & Children's Shelter
The first Women's and Children's Shelter opened on 9th Avenue.
2003
First Off-Campus Thrift Store
The Mission expanded community support by opening its first off-campus thrift store.
2004–2006
Rapid Growth
The Mission opened three thrift stores in three years to help sustain programs.
2006
Preparing for the Future
The City announced redevelopment plans for the 9th Avenue campus, prompting the search for a permanent home.
2008
Evangel Drive Campus
Keith Overholt became President & CEO, and the Mission relocated to its permanent 18-acre campus on Evangel Drive.
2009–2015
Expanded Services
The Mission expanded services for women and children and increased outreach to surrounding neighborhoods.
2011–2015
Three More Thrift Stores
Three additional thrift stores opened to strengthen ministry funding.
2016
Capital Campaign Begins
The Mission launched a $7 million capital campaign to build a new facility for women and children.
2018
Owen's House Opens
Opened Owen's House, expanding shelter and services for women and children.
2019
Grad House
We opened the Mission's first transitional housing program.
2020
Serving Through COVID-19
The Mission remained open and continued serving the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022
Madison Thrift Store
The Madison Thrift Store location opened, the first store built entirely from the ground up.
2025
50 Years of Hope
The Mission celebrated its 50th Anniversary while launching the Hope for Tomorrow Capital Campaign.
2025-2026
Major Renovations
We made renovations to increase capacity in Owen's House and improve the men's emergency shelter.