Since 1924, we’ve offered hope to men, women and children struggling with huge challenges. Homelessness. Addiction. Poverty.
We start by extending a welcoming hand and helping to meet their immediate needs – food, shelter, clothing.
From there, we offer them a new foundation for their lives through Christ – and life-changing programs that move them toward physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness.
Needs met. Lives transformed.
It’s only possible because of your support!
The Road Back
Starting June 1, Gareth Keown, MSML, CEO of City Union Mission, invites the community to join a 90-day journey focused on health, leadership, recovery, faith, resilience, and hope. This journey is personal, but it also reflects the broader mission of City Union Mission: helping men, women, and families find their way back from crisis, homelessness, instability, and hardship. Over 90 days, Gareth will share honest thoughts on his personal and organizational health, homelessness, nonprofit leadership, burnout, recovery, Kansas City, and what it really takes to care for a city.
FOLLOW ALONG
Our doors are open. Our work is excellent. Our love is real. And with your partnership, we can continue bringing safety, stability, and a future to families and individuals across our city.
Make a Difference Now
Your generosity will help meet people’s immediate needs… and support them as they transform their lives through God’s love.
From the Streets to Stability
Watch Kevin’s story of redemption and be inspired by the power of hope.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
This past year, your gifts blessed the lives of those we serve in extraordinary ways! Thanks to you, thousands of men, women and children found help & hope here:
More Ways to Take Action
Current Needs
Here are the food items & daily essentials we need most.
Donate a Car
Give someone dignity and independence on their road to a better life.
Employment Opportunities
Consider a career with a purpose!
Mission Christmas
Help thousands of income-qualified families and individuals enjoy the holidays.
A new season means new routines.
As you settle into the weeks ahead, come learn how you can partner with City Union Mission as we serve guests working to rebuild stable lives.
Our next Awareness Coffee is one week away.
Friday, September 11
10:00 a.m.
1100 E. 11th Street, KCMO 64106
Seats are limited.
Register through the link in our bio.
#CityUnionMission #AwarenessCoffee #KansasCity #ChristCenteredCare #HopeLivesHere
What happens when life falls apart?
For the next five days, Gareth is bringing The Road Back back to one thing: the Gospel.
You do not have to get your life together before you come to God.
God loves you right where you are.
That is where the road back begins. 🤍
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #GospelHope #KansasCity
The Road Back – Day 85
Workforce development creates real opportunities. This year, 20 recovery program guests earned forklift certifications—tangible skills they can put on a résumé and take directly into the workforce.
Recovery isn’t just about getting through a difficult season. It’s about building a life beyond it.
Teach a skill. Open a door. Hire someone. Help build a future.
Day 84 of 90
This is why we do the work.
City Union Mission recently had the joy of giving one of our graduates a vehicle.
These moments matter. They help remove barriers, support stability, and remind us that lives are being restored one step at a time.
To every donor who made this possible: thank you.
Your generosity helps carry hope forward.
#CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #CarMinistry #ChristCenteredCare #KansasCity
Before a meal ever reaches the table, there is a lot of care behind it.
City Union Mission received the 2026 Food Safety Excellence Award from the City of Kansas City, MO Health Department.
Safe food does not just happen. It takes people who care, pay attention, and do the daily work well.
With so many health concerns around food today, this recognition means a lot to us. It is a reminder that we are not only serving meals but also caring for the health and dignity of our guests.
Of the thousands of food establishments in Kansas City, only about 15% receive this award.
Thank you to our kitchen team and volunteers for the steady work you do every day. The cleaning, the training, the food safety, the serving, the care.
Most people may never see all that goes into it, but it matters.
And we are grateful. 🤍
#CityUnionMission #KansasCity #FoodSafetyExcellence #ServingWithDignity #ChristCenteredCare #HopeLivesHere
Change needs context.
On Day 83 of The Road Back, Gareth shares City Union Mission’s three-year framework:
Year 1: Stabilize
Year 2: Build capacity
Year 3: Launch the strategy
2027 is not the finish line. It is the bridge.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #KansasCity #MissionDriven #Leadership
Care today. Stability tomorrow. Hope for the road ahead. 🤍
For 102 years, City Union Mission has walked alongside Kansas City neighbors facing poverty, homelessness, crisis, and instability with the hope of Christ.
Explore our updated 102 Years of Impact page to see how your partnership provides hot meals, emergency shelter, and Christ-centered recovery programs across our city.
Tap the link in our bio to find your way to serve, give, and restore hope.
#CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #KansasCity #KansasCityNonprofit #ChristCenteredCare #102YearsOfImpact #ServeKC
City Union Mission is seeking a VOLUNTEER to provide transportation support for our Recovery Programs.
This role helps recovery program participants get to approved appointments, work, classes, job interviews, and housing appointments.
Reliable transportation matters. It removes barriers, supports accountability, and keeps people moving forward.
About 4 hours a week with a flexible schedule.
If you are dependable and patient and want to serve in a Christ-centered environment, please email elizabeth.miller@cityunionmission.org.
#CityUnionMission #VolunteerOpportunity #KansasCity #ChristCenteredCare #RecoverySupport #ServeKC
Day 82 of 90.
The numbers are encouraging.
For 2027, City Union Mission is preparing to serve nearly 118,000 bed nights, a 40% increase in capacity, while increasing the operating budget by just 2.5%.
More capacity. Better stewardship. Better outcomes.
And we’re only getting started.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #Stewardship #MissionDriven #KansasCity
The Road Back – Day 80
What would you say to a director who’s program only produced 1 graduate? Food for thought…
The Road Back just passed 1 million views.
Since May 28, more people have seen the Mission, heard the heart behind the work, and followed along as Gareth shares leadership, change, and mission clarity in real time.
This week’s word was patterns.
Across cities, the challenges around homelessness are growing more complex. The environment is changing, and City Union Mission is paying attention.
Programs must adapt. Funding must evolve. The mission must stay clear.
Compassion. Accountability. Honest response.
Forward, seldom straight.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #KansasCity #NonprofitLeadership
Protecting the mission sometimes means changing the model.
On Day 79 of The Road Back, Gareth shares what City Union Mission is learning from Union Gospel Mission in Spokane.
Sustainability. Workforce development. Innovation.
More to think through. More to learn.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #ChristCenteredCare #Leadership #MissionDriven
