History

Dr. Grassano in front of the first Harvest Center

Urban Harvest Ministries was birthed through a simple step of faith when Dr. Grassano resigned the directorship of a thriving, national short-term missions agency in 1994 and moved to New York City. He and his family began building relationships with people on the streets of the South Bronx. By reaching people with the gospel and empowering them toward their destinies, a solid base for urban outreach The Harvest Center was established.

Beginning in the chapel of a drug and alcohol rehab, after one year they moved into a small store which was formerly a "front" for the sale of narcotics. They established the first Harvest Center and remained there for five years. Four of those years, they had no heat in the winter, rat infestation, and continual water damage from apartments above. Unwavered, they persevered with belief in the vision of seeing urban citizens empowered toward their destinies.

The Harvest Center is housed in part of this formerly abandoned coffin factory.

In 2000, UHM moved across the street into a factory that had been abandoned for more than 30 years. This former coffin factory had been used by drug dealers and homeless drug addicts. With no funds available to do renovations, Dr. Grassano signed the lease by faith. Miraculous provision followed, and they renovated part of the factory into a beautiful facility to empower and equip the urban community around them.

From these humble beginnings, the lives of many have been changed and miraculous community transformation has taken place through the rise of contagious Christ-centered lifestyles and successful methods of outreach.