About
City Union Mission is the largest rescue mission in a 6-state area. Serving appx. 750 meals a day, and last year provided over 165,121 beds for the weary.
Company Overview

Since 1924, City Union Mission has provided warm beds, nutritious food and a place of safety for thousands of poverty stricken and homeless men, women and children.

Founded by Rev. and Mrs. David Bulkley, the Mission’s staff has been uncompromising in their commitment to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the hurting and the lost. City Union Mission receives no government support and is not a United Way agency.

The Mission depends completely on the gifts of God’s people–individuals, churches, groups, foundations and businesses who care about the poor and homeless.

 

IN NEED OF SHELTER?

If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, please call the Hotline at (816) 474-4599, and we’ll do everything possible to assist you.

HOW WE PROVIDE HOPE

 

FAMILY SERVICES

For single women or parents with children who need shelter and assistance with life necessities

 

»142 beds in 28 rooms equipped for single or family occupancy, with overflow capabilities as needed during extreme weather conditions. First-time guests may stay for 30 days, with two-week stays allowed for subsequent visits.All guests receive case management.»Three wholesome meals daily, along with personal-hygiene items and suitable clothing»Basic medical care provided by on-site nurse and Swope Health Services

»Chapel services for adults and children

»Assigned chores to keep facility clean and comfortable

»Nursery/preschool for children ages 6 months to 6 years, staffed by trained educator »Introduction to longer-term life recovery programs and tours of New Life Center

 

For shelter guests seeking short-term and structured guidance toward independence and stability

New Beginnings Covenant (NBC)

An eight-week program that provides biblically based life-skills classes and counseling in the mornings so guests may be employed and work in the afternoon, evenings and weekends. During this time guests may also be assessed and prepare to enter the long-term New Life Program.

Family Center Shelter Transitional Living Program (FCTLP)

Families who have steady jobs but have become homeless due to circumstances that have caused them to fall behind on rent or utilities—or due to emergency health or personal situations—are provided with up to six months of comfortable shelter, nourishing food, and basic medical services, along with life-skills classes and the guidance of a case manager, while they save the money needed to pay past debts and make deposits to re-establish a permanent home.

 

 

NEW LIFE CENTER

For women and families dedicated to recovery from addiction and other destructive challenges and desiring to rebuild a stable and Christ-centered lives for themselves and their children

New Life Program (NLP)

A nine-plus month residential program which takes a holistic and personalized approach to rebuilding lives physically, mentally, socially and spiritually through individualized case management and counseling, work therapy, adult education, career development and job placement. Clients are required to work toward their GEDs and the program focuses on empowering women with marketable job skills and promoting a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.

After Care

After completing the NLP, graduates are enrolled in our Community New Life Program (see below) where they receive assistance with personal goals toward sustaining their independence. A case manager makes home visits to guide them in strengthening their connection with a local church and other vital resources, empowering them to complete their journeys to becoming stable and productive Christians in their communities.

Servant Leadership Institute (sLi)

Graduates of the NLP may be accepted into the SLi where they are prepared and trained for a career in rescue mission ministry and hold the legal classification of intern. There is no cost to attend the program and the Mission provides room and board in return for up to 20 hours a week of on-the-job training. The student may also hold a part-time job outside the Mission to cover incidental expenses.

 

VANDERBERG YOUTH CENTER

Our Vanderberg Youth Center allows our staff and Christian volunteers to build nurturing and empowering relationships with children who are living in our Family Shelter and New Life Center—or in nearby neighborhoods—throughout the school year, through programs designed to help boys and girls ages 7 to 17 prosper academically, socially and spiritually.

»Our City Corps after-school ministry offers tutoring, recreation, field trips, life-skills, spiritual development and devotions for elementary and secondary students.»One day each week, students in our Family Shelter receive tutoring assistance with their homework assignments, provided by trained Student Impact Volunteers.»Twice each week our Youth Chapel services offer Bible studies and other activities that help boys and girls in our Family Shelter learn and understand the Gospel and how it can strengthen their lives.

»In addition to a healthy recreation, our Basketball Program helps young athletes learn that God is with them in every situation and how to demonstrate character in all aspects of their lives.

 

CITY CAMP

Based in our Vanderberg Youth Center City Camp offers urban youngsters a structured environment, consistent relationships and a safe place to play and learn, keeping young minds challenged and busy when school’s out for the summer. The multi-week program is free to boys and girls, ages 7 to 17, in our Vanderberg Youth Center programs or live within a 10-block radius of our Family Center. Each week includes Bible studies and devotions, arts and crafts, and activities that enhance reading, computer and other academic skills. Campers also enjoy field trips to fun and educational venues. City Camp runs weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks.

 

CAMP CUMCITO

(City Union Mission Camp in the Ozarks)

Warsaw, Missouri

Each summer more than 650 children from impoverished and homeless families throughout the Kansas City metro area enjoy bright sunny days filled with love, laughter and the opportunity to make new friends at our residential summer camp. They sleep in clean, safe beds and are provided three nutritious daily meals and wholesome snacks. In chapel, at campfires and during quiet times with caring Christian volunteers, they learn about Jesus Christ and how he can help them build bright futures. Boys and girls ages 7 through 16 attend Big Camp, where they take part in swimming, fishing, hiking, arts and crafts, and other exciting adventures. In our Tot Lot, youngsters 4 through 6 are provided with appropriate summer-camping clothing and swimsuits and enjoy story times, tea parties and pony rides. Weekly sessions are held throughout the summer months for young campers as well as families.

 

MEN’SSERVICES

For men in need of food, shelter and basic medical care, with opportunities for case management and life recovery.

 

»294 shelter beds in the clean and substance-free environment of our Men’s Center with overflow capabilities as needed during extreme weather conditions. Guests may stay for increments of 30 days without participating in case management. To encourage accountability and responsibility, men pay a $1 per night service fee or complete a work assignment to cover the fee.»Three wholesome meals daily for men who spend the night at the Mission and attend chapel service»Basic medical care provided by on-site nurse and Swope Health Services

»Showers, personal-hygiene items and suitable clothing

»Optional case management to connect men with social services and resources for housing and employment. (Those who choose not to take part in case management must leave the Mission for a 30-, 60- and 90- day period between each consecutive shelters stay of 30 days.)

For shelter guests seeking short-term and structured guidance toward independence and stability

New Beginnings Covenant (NBC)

A six-week program including biblically based life-skills classes that enables men to prepare for the long-term Christian Life Program and allows our staff to evaluate their readiness.

Job Hunters

A three-month program to assist men in finding full-time employment. Participants maintain accountability with a case manager and attend weekly Bible studies.

Special Arrangements

Men who have full-time employment are allowed to continue their stay for three months as case managers help them manage and save money in preparation to acquiring affordable housing.

 

 

CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER

For men dedicated to recovery from addiction and other destructive challenges and desiring to live successful and meaningful lives within their families and communities

Christian Life Program (CLP)

A 12- to 18-month residential program which takes a holistic and personalized approach to rebuilding lives physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. The three-phase curriculum includes individualized case management and counseling, work therapy, adult education, career development and job placement.

Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Six apartments are provided to house up to 12 graduates of the CLP so they can remain under the Mission’s guidance for an additional 18 months while they work and grow in responsibility and accountability. The Mission holds one-half of their rent in reserve and returns it to them at the end of the program as a deposit to secure their own housing.

Servant Leadership Institute (SLi)

Graduates of the CLP may be accepted into the SLi where they are prepared and trained for a career in rescue mission ministry and hold the legal classification of intern. There is no cost to attend the program and the Mission provides room and board in return for up to 20 hours a week of on-the-job training. The student may also hold a part-time job outside the Mission to cover incidental expenses.

Community Assistance

Conveniently located at 1700 E. 8th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, near bus lines and adjacent to Woodland Early Learning Community School, a Head Start site attended by children from low-income families, our Community Assistance Center offers easy access to vital programs and services.

»Income-qualified families may receive assistance with utility payments, clothing, household items and groceries from our food pantry.
»Our monthly Ladies Bible Study offers women of all ages a time for fellowship, friendship and spiritual growth.
»Free counseling is offered on a periodic basis by representatives from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
»Vouchers are provided to our Community Store where working-poor families may select hygiene products and household goods like bath linens, donated by local retailers.