Voluntary Action Center

09/05/2026

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/the-first-53-days-new-homeless-shelter-is-near-capacity-almost-all-boone-county-residents/article_1ee0db8f-37a9-4513-ac65-0f7386ba7336.html

VAC Opportunity Campus fills nearly 150 beds each night, director said. Most clients are local, and many are getting sober.

09/04/2026

Join us as Voluntary Action Center Executive Director Ed Stansberry and Shelter Director Jessica McNear share an inside look at the new Opportunity Campus and how it will expand access to shelter, supportive services, and community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Our next Things That Matter event is one you won't want to miss.

Join us as Voluntary Action Center Executive Director Ed Stansberry and Shelter Director Jessica McNear share an inside look at the new Opportunity Campus and how it will expand access to shelter, supportive services, and community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Learn about the vision, the progress, and the partnerships helping shape this important community initiative.

📍 Inside the Boone County History & Culture Center
🎟️ Free and open to the public

Wednesday, September 16, 5:30-6:30pm

Thank you to LaBrunerie Financial for sponsoring the Things That Matter speaker series!

09/02/2026

It's a beautiful day in our neighborhood! Thank you to The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri for the delivery to VAC Opportunity Campus.

09/02/2026

Our ❤️ is overflowing with gratitude! VAC’s Summer Programs were a success.

This year, we had 46 AC units exchanged thanks to Boone Electric Cooperative & City of Columbia Water & Light.

Our community blew us away💨 by supplying the funds to distribute 578 fans, and our Back To School Program filled 731 backpacks.

09/02/2026

VAC offices at the Cindy Mustard Resource Center will be closed Monday, September 7th, 2026 to observe Labor Day. We will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, September 8th.

09/01/2026

Based on the National Weather Service forecast for overnight temperatures at or above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the New Day Columbia overnight cooling center will be open tonight (Tuesday) 09.01.2026 through (Thursday) 09.03.2026 from 7:00pm-7:00am.

The overnight cooling center serves as a refuge of last resort. As capacity allows, persons who are eligible for overnight shelter at VAC's Waypoint and/or Salvation Army Harbor House will be directed to those resources.

ARRIVAL TIMEFRAME: 6:30pm-9:15pm
· There will be no admittance after 9:15pm.
Address: 1304 Bowling St., Columbia, Mo, 65201

08/31/2026

VAC Holiday Program sign-ups are now open!

Sign-up dates are weekdays: Monday, August 31st through Friday, October 9th at noon. Extended Hours: Saturday, September 19th, 9am - Noon and Tuesday, October 6th, 4:30 - 6:30pm.

Sign-ups can be done over the phone or in person in the lobby. Lobby walk in: M-F 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm at the Cindy Mustard Resource Center 1300 Bowling Street, Columbia, MO 65201. 573.874.2273 press 2.

Link in comments.

08/25/2026

Services at the Cindy Mustard Resource Center will close at 3pm on Wednesday, August 26th. We will reopen Thursday, August 27th at 9am.