Kathleen Knudson
May 24, 1925 ~ May 18, 2021 (age 95)
Our History
Eastern Oregon Mission, Inc. and Agape House
Eastern Oregon Mission, Inc., operating through Agape House, opened on August 5, 1986, through the vision and dedication of Kathleen Knudson. Kathleen recognized the need to serve individuals and families experiencing hardship, including the less fortunate, the working poor, and people experiencing homelessness.
Beginning in a small rented house, Agape House grew rapidly over the next several years. What started as a modest community outreach developed into a small food bank and clothing distribution center, providing essential resources to people in need.
In 1987, Agape House purchased its first building at 200 South 11th Street. From the beginning, the organization was supported by many members of the community, including churches, Scout groups, service clubs, local businesses, and caring individuals. Their generosity helped establish a strong foundation for the mission’s continued growth.
A New Home for a Growing Mission
After eight years of dreaming, three years of planning and fundraising, and four months of construction, Agape House moved into a larger facility in December 2005.
Located on a fenced two-acre site, the new facility provided approximately 13,500 square feet of space. The building included a 20-by-40-foot commercial walk-in cooler, a 20-by-40-foot commercial walk-in freezer, and a workshop area for repairing donated items.
The expanded facility allowed Agape House to increase its capacity and better serve the community. During this period, Agape House assisted more than 900 families each month.
The Weekend Backpack Program
At the request of a local elementary school principal, Agape House partnered with Faith Presbyterian Church and the Greater Hermiston Altrusa Club to develop an elementary school weekend food program.
The program was created to help students who depended on school meals during the week but faced limited access to food over the weekend. Through the support of volunteers, schools, donors, and community partners, backpacks were filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food for students to take home.
What began as a local partnership grew into the Weekend Backpack Program, which provides additional weekend food to students throughout five school districts. The program continues to help reduce childhood hunger and support students by ensuring they have access to food when school is not in session.
Martha’s House: A Path Toward Stability
Recognizing the growing need for safe housing for families experiencing homelessness, Agape House developed a homeless family transitional housing program called Martha’s House.
Martha’s House was created to provide more than temporary shelter. The program offers a safe and secure living environment while helping families develop the skills, resources, and stability needed to transition into permanent housing.
In recognition of the vision and work behind the project, the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce presented the 2011 Mayor’s Award to the Agape House Board of Directors for the development of Martha’s House.
In 2013, Martha’s House opened as a $1.1 million facility, built debt-free, to serve families experiencing homelessness. The program continues to provide a supportive environment where families can rebuild their lives, establish goals, and work toward long-term housing stability.
Continuing the Mission
From a small rented house in 1986 to a growing network of food assistance, clothing resources, youth programs, community partnerships, and transitional housing, Eastern Oregon Mission and Agape House have remained committed to serving people with compassion, dignity, and hope.
The mission’s growth has been made possible through the dedication of staff, volunteers, donors, churches, businesses, service organizations, community partners, and caring individuals.
Today, Eastern Oregon Mission, Agape House, and Martha’s House continue working together to meet immediate needs, strengthen individuals and families, and create opportunities for a more stable and hopeful future.