MISSION AND HISTORY
"Our Mission is to end and prevent homelessness through compassion, accountability and results."
Our Mission
The Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and offers specialized services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those within our community who are in crisis. VMC’s programs support its two-fold mission of facilitating permanent supportive housing for those who are homeless and providing services to prevent homelessness.
VMC operates several main programs: The VMC Resource Center, The Bush Family Refuge, Minvilla Manor & Caswell Manor, Street Outreach, The Foyer and The VMC Dental Clinic.
The goal for all clients is housing. Utilizing case management and the ‘Housing First’ approach to ending homelessness, VMC assists individuals into permanent, supportive housing and provides the resources necessary to maintain housing. Once housing is achieved, the case management relationship continues until a level of self-sufficiency is reached, thus ensuring success.
Our History
The Volunteer Ministry Center was founded in 1987 by downtown churches in response to the need for a daytime shelter for the increasing number of homeless persons on the street. In 1991, VMC was joined by the Refuge, a volunteer operated homeless prevention program. In 1992, VMC constructed the Jackson Apartments which offered housing to 16 formerly homeless men. Clinic services were added on a part-time basis in 1998. In 2007, VMC began an emphasis on offering permanent solutions to homelessness rather than simply offering emergency care. In March of 2009, VMC relocated from its original building downtown to a new facility at 511 N. Broadway. In November 2010, the Jackson Apartments were replaced by Minvilla Manor, a 57 unit rent subsidized permanent supportive housing facility. In December 2019, VMC opened The Foyer, a low-barrier, housing focused, emergency overnight shelter for the most vulnerable of those experiencing homelessness. And in 2023, VMC opened Caswell Manor, a 48 unit rent subsidized permanent supportive housing facility. VMC continues to operate an on-site Dental Clinic.
