The story of ICM is an interfaith miracle!

In the early 1970’s, several congregations were attempting to fill the many gaps in services to the working poor and homeless in the downtown area. St. Mary’s Basilica and the North Phoenix Corporate Ministries (comprised of various denominations, including Jewish congregations) had begun clothing banks. Historic First Presbyterian Church and Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix had been pressed into homeless service by the mid ‘70’s.

By 1982, largely through the efforts of Dr. Culver Nelson at the Church of the Beatitudes, Salt River Project was persuaded to donate half a store-front building at 315 N. 3rd Avenue. The clothing banks and emergency relief services were combined under the name Interfaith Cooperative Ministries.

In 1993, ICM had outgrown that space and needed more room to serve more people. A fund drive was held, and a warehouse was purchased at 501 S. 9th Ave., where ICM continues to provide services today.

The initial supporting congregations, plus about 30 more, are still counted among ICM’s “angels.”

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