Shelter

Basic needs aren't negotiable, and shelter comes first.

Access to basic needs isn't something you earn. It's something you deserve simply because you're human. When we remove barriers, meet people where they are, and trust them to be the experts on their own lives, we create space for real transformation.

Location

We are located at the Ashley Street Center 1509 Ashley St behind the power plant on Business Loop. The shelter is accessible from the Go Como Transit Orange Route. We also have a shuttle that picks up at Wilkes Methodist Church M - F at 3:45pm and Sundays at 4pm.

Instructions

Guests need to appear in-person at the shelter after 5:30pm to check availability (the line starts to form then). Speak to a staff member at the door to get on the list for the night. Check-in ends at 9pm.

Volunteer

Volunteers can assist in a number of different ways depending on the times they are available and the amount of work they wish to do. Each night is broken into several shifts, each with specific duties.

Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Click the Sign Up button below to view the description of the shifts, and to sign up for shifts.

Employment

Shelter Advocate

Pay starts at $16.50/hour.

We're seeking compassionate and dependable Shelter Advocates to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Shelter Advocates are frontline staff responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming shelter environment while supporting daily operations and guest needs. We are hiring for full-time and part-time/weekend positions on the following shifts: 5pm-1am and 1am-9am

Key Responsibilities:

Welcome and support shelter guests using a trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach
Monitor shelter spaces and ensure safety and rule compliance
De-escalate conflicts and respond to crises as needed
Complete shift logs and incident reports
Assist with guest check-in/check-out, light cleaning, and meal coordination

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required
Experience with vulnerable populations preferred
Strong communication and de-escalation skills
Ability to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
Reliable, calm under pressure, and team-oriented
Training will be provided

Download application (PDF)

Responding to the immediate basic needs of individuals and families within our community.

donate

403A Vandiver Drive, Columbia MO 65202 | Phone: 573-874-2273 | Fax: 573-874-9172 | vac@vacmo.org

Shelter

Basic needs aren't negotiable, and shelter comes first.

Location

Instructions

Volunteer

Employment

OUR MISSION

Subscribe to our newsletter

Organization

Services

programs