Central Union Mission, DC

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Central Union Mission, DC

No one should live hungry and homeless. Central Union Mission is the oldest social service agency in the District of Columbia.

It was founded in 1884 by the Reverend Latham Douglass, a young man filled with compassion for the thousands of homeless, neglected men who wandered Pennsylvania Avenue, many of whom were Civil War veterans. Since 1884, the Mission has continuously operated an emergency shelter for homeless men and been a place for spiritual uplift and recovery. It has survived the Great Depression, two world wars

, 24 presidential administrations, neighborhood transitions, and numerous relocations. The Mission Today

Today, Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with seven locations throughout the Washington metropolitan area. In addition to its family ministries, the Mission operates an emergency shelter program, a rehabilitation program for men with life-controlling issues, a food, clothing and furniture distribution center, a retreat and recreation center with a camp for underprivileged children, programs for isolated seniors, computer and job training and transitional and low-cost housing. The Mission is continually developing its programs to meet the changing needs of the community. Its current programs serve homeless men, underprivileged women, children, seniors, families, and veterans. see videoOne life at a time, the Mission works to help transform the area's toughest rehabilitation cases, including drug addicts, gang members, criminal offenders, and the chronically homeless into productive members of society. The Mission's programs have an extremely high success rate at helping individuals overcome addiction and homelessness, and achieve independent living.

08/02/2024

Jennifer, a single mom from Maryland with children who have disabilities, juggles so much every day. Thanks to the Comprehensive Family Resource Center, she knows she’s not alone—God's looking out for her, every step of the way. 💛

08/01/2024

You won't want to miss Roy's incredible journey! From rock bottom to finding hope, the Mission helped him turn his life around. "I felt revived!" he shared. Check out the August 2024 Newsletter to read Roy's story, a special message from our President & CEO, and learn about our exciting expansion into Northern Virginia! 🌟 Read here: https://www.missiondc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Missionary-2024-August.pdf

07/31/2024

For people like Eric, the Mission offers more than just physical healing. It's a place where lives are transformed through the power of God's love, creating lasting change and a solid foundation for the future.

07/30/2024

Feeding the hungry is not just about providing food, but restoring dignity and hope. Delivered a load of fresh, nutritious food to Central Union Mission, DC!

Proud to support their work assisting our unhoused neighbors—every bit helps. Let’s keep pushing for a world where no one goes hungry! 🥬🍎

www.nest4us.org

07/30/2024

📢 Calling all volunteers! 🌟 Your help is needed in Northern Virginia! If you're passionate about making a lasting difference, please email Marc to get involved: [email protected]

07/29/2024

Big thanks to the amazing volunteers from King's Church who revamped the Mission Muffins food truck with fresh signage this weekend! 🙌🍩 Swing by 65 Massachusetts Ave for a delicious breakfast and support the men of the Mission.

07/25/2024

When Mohammed faced tough times, he discovered more than just help for his physical needs. He found the love and hope of Jesus, bringing lasting transformation to his life.

07/24/2024

Exciting news! The Mission's expansion into Northern Virginia is well underway! 🚀 Check out the latest updates and stay tuned for more info! 👀 Learn more here: https://www.missiondc.org/what-we-do/mission-nova/

07/23/2024

"Everyone here [at the Comprehensive Family Resource Center] works hard!" says Jeanette Smith, a 63-year-old battling a spine disease. She finds comfort in the Mission’s support. "They remember names, build relationships, and check in on us. You can rely on this place." Jeanette also found a church family at the CFRC. "If you want a church home, this is it! Life-Church meets here every Sunday, and there's a lot of love here."

07/22/2024

At the Mission, families come first! We're dedicated to supporting the whole person—beyond just food, clothing, and shelter. We provide the tools and resources needed for a productive life, all thanks to your incredible support and the inspiring power of the Gospel. 🙌

07/21/2024

Have a blessed Sunday!

07/19/2024

Exciting News! 🎉 After much prayer and planning, Central Union Mission is expanding to Northern Virginia next month! We’re bringing transformational services to more low-income families and people experiencing homelessness. Thanks to your support, we’ll offer a full range of bilingual services under one roof. Stay tuned for more details and learn more here: https://www.missiondc.org/what-we-do/mission-nova/

07/18/2024

: Our mission hasn't changed! Workforce Development and Education (WDE) helps transform Mission Men from dependence and homelessness to long-term economic self-sufficiency. We focus on entry-level to intermediate jobs in STEM, hospitality, culinary, labor, administration, and Green industries. By educating, engaging, and employing men in promising positions, we create lasting change. What has made it all possible, both then and now? The transformative power of the Gospel.

07/17/2024

We recently had a fantastic outreach event for the Comprehensive Family Resource Center! Our Mission staff presented an engaging PowerPoint at the Adell C. White Workforce Center, showcasing the wide range of wraparound services we offer. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with the DC community and share the impactful work we're doing.

07/17/2024

For people like Fernando, your support is life-changing. It offers second chances and guides people toward Christ. Never underestimate the impact you make—you're helping rebuild lives! 🙏✨

07/16/2024

Central Union Mission loves working in partnership to serve the needy and spread the Gospel. Our good friends at Breadcoin convene on Friday mornings in the park across the street for a time of prayer. In addition to services held here at the Mission, some of our Mission men attend the gathering, joining hands with others in need. Bread Coin, an innovative currency, can be redeemed at participating establishments, including our Mission Muffins trailer. It empowers underserved communities, supports local businesses, and helps provide a meal for those experiencing homelessness. Here at the Mission, our doors are open to anyone seeking shelter from the heat and in need of a fresh meal. We're honored to be a beacon of hope, and to work alongside our friends at Bread Coin.

07/15/2024

"Today is Give Something Away Day! 🌟 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.' - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Let's spread love, generosity, and kindness. Whether it's time, finances, or donations, remember, it's more blessed to give than to receive. Join us in making a difference today!

07/15/2024

Huge thanks to our amazing friends from DC360 Church for their incredible help at our Men's Shelter this weekend! Your hard work created a safe, clean, and welcoming space for our guests to feel secure and experience God's love. We appreciate your time and kindness! 💙🙏

07/11/2024

"‘This is our favorite place to volunteer,’ said AJ. His wife, Sherene, added, ‘This is where we started doing ministry!’ The Southern Maryland couple, deeply involved in their home church, have a special place in their heart for the Mission. Yesterday, they enjoyed serving our guests lunch. Thank you for your love and selflessness, AJ and Sherene! 💖

07/10/2024

🌞 It's scorching out there, DC! The Mission is a refuge for those braving the heat, offering shelter, water, and cool spaces. Here's how you can help:

1️⃣ Donate Bottled Water: Our Amazon Wishlist has the most needed items. 💧 Click here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/L9FZCNCKTRD7/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?fbclid=IwAR3PTGVa9KHMK-02OPHfV7KrOSSaV3Izap0QlWDN675phgjoJflmut6FKms
2️⃣ Make a Financial Donation: Your generosity helps those experiencing homelessness find relief. 💰 Click here: https://donate.missiondc.org/for/210digmedcon/amount/100/info/2101HPHAE?_ga=2.99237526.983087652.1720623708-1130344408.1705080554
3️⃣ Spread the Word: Encourage everyone to seek cool spaces. The Mission is a safe haven. 🏠
4️⃣ Volunteer: Lend a hand at our locations—individuals, groups, churches, and businesses are welcome! 🙌 Learn more: https://www.missiondc.org/get-involved/volunteer/
5️⃣ Show Love: Check on your neighbors, offer assistance, or share a bottle of water in Jesus' name. ❤️

Thank you for supporting the Mission during this heatwave. You're making a real difference!

07/09/2024

🚨 Excessive heat warning in the DC metro area today! For anyone struggling on the streets, we’re here to help with safe shelter, water, and air-conditioned day rooms. Stay safe! ☀️💧

07/09/2024

Thanks to God's grace and the support of amazing friends like you, people like Ora find essential resources, refuge, and compassion at our Comprehensive Family Resource Center daily—and most importantly, they find hope for the future.

07/08/2024

The Mission is HIRING!

Do you feel called to serve people and spread God's love? Join our team and make a difference! We have a variety of positions open.

Check out the link to learn more and apply: https://www.missiondc.org/get-involved/join-the-team/paid-positions/

Rewarding work. Amazing people. Important cause.

07/05/2024

🎉 Yesterday at our Men's Shelter, we celebrated Independence Day with a fantastic meal, patriotic decorations, and lots of fellowship and love. A huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers for making the day so special! 🇺🇸❤️

07/04/2024

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Today, as we celebrate the freedom and independence of our great nation, we also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of liberty. At the Mission, we believe in offering a path to freedom for those in need, providing shelter, support, and the hope of Jesus to our community’s most vulnerable.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of freedom by giving back. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your support helps transform lives and build futures!

We wish everyone a blessed and joyous Independence Day! 🎆

07/03/2024

🎓At our 2024 Restoration & Transformation Program Alpha Graduation Ceremony last month, Sylvia Johnson, Men's Ministry Office Manager, delivered an inspiring message to our graduates. She highlighted their journey of growth and resilience, reminding them to keep moving forward.

She shared a powerful quote from TD Jakes: "When your past calls don’t answer, it has nothing new to say; you are better than the worst thing you have ever done, and let the past be the past. Forget the former things; God is doing a new thing." 🌟

07/02/2024

Last week at Camp, Counselor Brady shared in a morning devotional, "It's going to be so worth it for us to love kids if we intentionally spend time with Jesus."

For our Camp Bennett counselors, serving and leading kids at camp is sometimes the best job ever, and other times it challenges them deeply. Counselors have to lean on God for strength, especially when they hear tough stories from campers or feel physically exhausted.

"No matter what we face, it's a privilege to love and serve these kids," Brady reminded the group.

Even at 3:00 am when sleep is elusive, they rely on God's faithfulness.

Camp Director Michael's advice? "Drink coffee, pray often, and lean on each other."

Will you join us in praying for our counselors this summer?

07/01/2024

We want to give a huge shoutout to our amazing volunteer groups! 🙌 Thank you for dedicating your time and energy to serve the Mission. Your teamwork and selflessness make a real difference to those in need. We're incredibly grateful for the groups that come every week to create clean, dignified spaces for our guests. Thank you for all you do! 💖

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12027457118

Website

http://www.missiondc.org/

Alerts

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Videos

#TestimonyTuesday: Robert’s journey has been incredible since he first walked into the Mission. So much has changed, and he’s deeply grateful. Hear his story here!

#TestimonyTuesday Say hello to Keenan. During the pandemic, he lost everything, but now, thanks to the Mission, he's rebuilding his life. He's taken hold of hope and is well on his way thanks to your support.

#MISSIONMONDAY Meet Carey Marshall. You may have noticed him behind the Mission Muffins trailer, serving up delicious breakfast and coffee. Carey’s is just one testimony of how God is using the Mission to transform lives and build futures. We’re blessed by him!

#MISSIONMONDAY Meet Carey Marshall. You may have noticed him behind the window of the Mission Muffins trailer, serving up delicious breakfast and coffee. Carey's is just one testimony of how God is using the Mission to transform lives and build futures. We're blessed by him!

Exciting News! 🌟 Have you heard? Central Union Mission is embarking on a significant expansion into Northern Virginia! 🚀 We’re stepping forward in faith, giving God room to extend the Mission to address urgent needs of families and individuals in low-income households, as well as those experiencing homelessness in the region. 🙏 Virginia Governor @glennyoungkin shared a video message at our 140th anniversary celebration last week, graciously emphasizing the importance of our partnership in tackling poverty and homelessness, expressing warm words of welcome and gratitude. His support underscores the significance of our Mission’s impact not just in D.C., but across the DMV. 🙌 Stay tuned for more info about Mission:NOVA, which will be situated in south Arlington to serve as a beacon of Gospel hope for the community! #MissionNOVA

Look at God work! Check out the history of the Mission, and the impact this vital work has had on so many lives over the last 140 years! 🎉 We’re so grateful for the opportunity to serve and carry on this mission to the glory of God ✨

Take a look inside the Mission with Chef John! #testimonytuesday

Take a look inside the Mission with Chef Jon: #TestimonyTuesday

Take a look behind the scenes of the Mission: #MissionMonday

Thank you @tcsffx for making a difference and sharing the love of God. We’re grateful!

Last week, our friends from @horizonchamberseries provided an afternoon of beautiful music at our Men’s Shelter. We’re #grateful for their willingness to share their talent and uplift the men we #serve.

At the Comprehensive Family Resource Center our social workers are on site and are dedicated to helping individuals and families from our community improve their quality of life through counseling, advocacy, and reporting. Hear from one of our very own social workers, Alana, about the work she does and how she assists those in need.

Each and every Thursday at the Comprehensive Family Resource Center, walk-ins are welcome for our food & clothing distribution from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. ID is required. Thank you to each and every person who has donated clothes and other items to our community members. We appreciate you! We look forward to seeing you! For more information, click here: https://www.missiondc.org/what-we-do/family-programs/cfrc/

Joe Mettimano President & CEO of Central Union Mission, recently sat down with the Christian Bible Network to discuss how we’re keeping our residents safe during this heatwave. Check out his interview here: