Central Union Mission (Central Union Mission, DC)

Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides over 62,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates a holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development program for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center, which provides food for over 4000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens.

The Mission is continually developing its programs to meet the changing needs of the community. Its programs serve homeless men, underprivileged women, children, seniors, families and veterans.

One 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 achieving independent living.

Central Union Mission serves hurting people throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area. We serve homeless men, families living in poverty, children from at-risk neighborhoods and the growing Hispanic population in the city.

Gospel Rescue Ministries (GRM) at 810 5th St., Washington, DC, 2600 12th Street NE, Washington, DC, and 512 I Street NW, Washington, DC, is no longer in operation; it closed and its programs ended in 2014.Central Union Mission is carrying on some of GRM’s work including: Men’s homeless shelter https://www.missiondc.org/need-help/
Ready To Work employment program https://missiondc.org/what-we-do/mens-ministry/workforce/
Drug rehab and mental health services https://www.missiondc.org/what-we-do/mens-ministry/
Food, clothing and housewares https://www.missiondc.org/what-we-do/family-programs/
Lambert House – five apartment units for occupancy by low-income families.
GRM’s funeral flowers program, women’s shelter, bi-polar clinic and senior assisted living home are no longer operational.

Ready2Work

Ready2Work is a street-cleaning and beautification service provided by formerly homeless and unemployed men and women for six Business Improvement Districts in the city. The 12 to 18 month program pr...
Service Category: Work
Service Eligibility: Homeless Men/Boys

Senior Services - Central Union Mission

Nearly half of the low-income people who turn to the Mission for food and clothing are seniors trying to supplement their fixed food budget and make ends meet. Senior Luncheons The Mission holds sen...
Service Category: Care Goods Food
Service Eligibility: Seniors (55+)

Short-term Residential

The Special Circumstances Program assists those who do not qualify for other Central Union Mission programs but are in need of short-term residential services and support. Participants must be involve...
Service Eligibility: Homeless Men/Boys Housing Status Gender

Social Work

The Mission provides a variety of social services to low-income families to improve their well-being. Some of these services include providing English language instruction, GED preparation, health co...
Service Category: Care Education
Service Eligibility: Families

Special Circumstances Program

Men who do not qualify for other programs but need short-term residential services and support can participate in the Special Circumstances Program. Participants must be involved in a productive activ...
Service Category: Work
Service Eligibility: Homeless Men/Boys

The Family Ministry Center (FMC)

The Family Ministry Center (FMC) is a center where people struggling with insufficient food and clothing can find help. It is Central Union Mission’s hub for family services in Washington, DC. Our l...
Service Category: Food Goods

Veterans Services

The Mission will provide emergency and long-term support to help homeless, hungry and unemployed veterans meet immediate needs, restore their lives and get back on their feet. Central Union Miss...

Work Program

An additional work program the Mission offers, provides assistance to men who are currently employed full-time but have no place to live. They receive a reserved bed for 90 days initially and are requ...
Service Category: Work
Service Eligibility: Homeless Men/Boys

Work Therapy

The Work Therapy Program provides ten guests the opportunity to work part-time supporting Mission-related work activities. They save half of their earnings toward permanent housing and are required to...
Service Category: Work
Service Eligibility: Homeless Men/Boys
Camp Bennett Retreat and Conference Center
20501 Georgia Avenue Brookville MD 20833

Family Ministry Center

Central Union Emergency Shelter

Administrative Office
6811 Kenilworth Avenue Riverdale MD 20737
Lambert House
1733 T Street SE Washington DC 20001
Central Union Mailing Address
P.O. Box 96763 Washington DC 20090