Daron was born and raised in Kansas City. When he came to City Union Mission, he was going through a difficult season and needed a safe place to start again.

After spending time in jail, Daron was released with very little to return to. He needed shelter, stability, and support for his next step. In that moment, the Mission became more than a homeless shelter in Kansas City. It became a place where he could rest, breathe, and begin moving forward with care around him.

A Safe Place to Begin Again

From his first days at the Mission, Daron remembers being welcomed by kind staff who showed him around and helped him settle in. Those early days were not easy, but he began to experience something he had needed for a long time: rest.

He had a safe place to sleep. He had people who treated him with patience. He had space to quiet his mind and start rebuilding daily routines.

For someone coming out of crisis, that kind of stability matters. A bed, a meal, a calm environment, and a caring conversation can become the first steps toward renewed hope.

Finding Support Through the L. Minor Care Center

With support from the L. Minor Care Center, Daron has been able to grow spiritually, learn helpful life skills, and manage medication and daily responsibilities.

The L. Minor Care Center provides specialized care for men who may face barriers such as mental health challenges, physical needs, emotional struggles, or other complex care needs. For Daron, that support has helped create a steadier foundation.

At the Mission, care is not only about meeting immediate needs. It is also about walking with guests as they take practical steps toward stability, responsibility, and renewed purpose.

Growing in Faith and Hope

One of the biggest changes in Daron’s life has been his growing relationship with God. He says his faith has grown tremendously, and he enjoys talking about God and reading the Bible.

One verse that encourages him is John 3:16 because it reminds him that salvation is available to anyone who believes. That truth has helped Daron feel welcomed, valued, and useful.

Through Scripture, prayer, and Christ-centered care, Daron is discovering that he is not forgotten. He is someone God sees, loves, and continues to guide.

Looking Toward What Comes Next

Today, Daron is looking forward to moving into a new place, reconnecting with his mother, and continuing to rebuild his life. He also hopes to get a new PlayStation someday, a simple reminder of his love for video games and the everyday joys he still looks forward to.

Those hopes may seem small to some people, but they matter. They point to connection, comfort, stability, and a future that feels possible.

To Daron, City Union Mission is “a good place” — a place of rest, comfort, and patience.

A Christ-Centered Shelter in Kansas City

For more than 102 years, City Union Mission has served Kansas City neighbors who are poor or homeless with dignity, compassion, and the hope of Christ. Through shelter, meals, care ministries, recovery support, and pathways toward stability, the Mission continues to come alongside men, women, and families in crisis.

Daron’s story is one example of what can happen when someone is met with safety, patience, structure, and Christ-centered care.

Daron’s Encouragement to Others

For anyone who is struggling and unsure where to turn, Daron’s encouragement is simple: come to City Union Mission.

He knows what it feels like to need a safe place. He also knows what it means to find rest, support, and hope in the middle of a hard season.

If you or someone you know needs shelter or support, visit Get Help Now to learn more about available services.

Partner with City Union Mission

Stories like Daron’s are still being written every day.

Your partnership sustains Christ-centered care and enables City Union Mission to provide shelter, meals, recovery support, care ministries, and pathways to stability for neighbors facing poverty, homelessness, crisis, and instability.

Partner with City Union Mission to support more guests like Daron as they take their next step forward.