Meet CEO, Gareth Keown
A New Season of Leadership and Hope at City Union Mission
City Union Mission is proud to welcome Gareth Keown, MSML, as our new Chief Executive Officer. With more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Gareth brings a deep commitment to transforming communities through faith-driven service and strategic vision.
For over a century, the Mission has provided shelter for homeless, meals, recovery, and discipleship programs for those in need. Now, under Gareth’s leadership, our homeless resources are entering a new season of growth and innovation.
Gareth’s leadership philosophy focuses on developing people, building resilient systems, and fostering cultures of clarity, accountability, and hope. Most recently, at Midwest Food Bank Texas, he expanded operations and strengthened partnerships to address food insecurity at scale. This is a reflection of this commitment to measurable, lasting community impact.
“City Union Mission represents both a sacred heritage and a vital future,” Gareth shares. “Our work is not only about meeting needs on the streets but about transforming the city itself; restoring dignity, building partnerships, and creating pathways of hope that lead to lasting change.”
Strengthening Our Mission Through Celebrate Hope
Gareth’s arrival comes at an important moment as we continue our Celebrate Hope campaign. This annual effort supports all aspects of the Mission’s ministry, from immediate assistance like shelter for homeless families to long-term programs that help men, women, and families rebuild their lives.
Through Gareth’s leadership, City Union Mission will continue to enhance collaboration with local service providers, churches, and civic organizations, making sure that our homeless resources reach more people and have a broader citywide impact.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
We invite you to learn more about the Mission’s work by visiting our About Us page or exploring our homeless resources and shelter for homeless programs. Your support through Celebrate Hope makes transformation possible. Together, we can continue providing hope, restoration, and lasting change to those who need it most.
City Union Mission has served the Kansas City community since 1924, providing emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery, and life-rebuilding programs to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty.