Help & Social Services

Community Resources

• Columbia Career Center Community Education
  (573) 214-3803
  Part of the Columbia Public School District, CACC provides adult education services, including English language learner classes.
• Center for English Language Learning
  The University of Missouri offers high quality English language instruction to non-native speakers of English through the Center for English Language Learning (CELL).
• Centro Latino
  (573) 449-9442
  Centro Latino opens their doors to immigrants of any country. Some of the services they offer are English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, immigration services or referrals, health literacy, prevention of violence against women and youth after school programs.
• City of Refuge
  (573) 454-1552
  City of Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to help refugees recover and regain control of their lives. They offer Basic Needs Services, PTSD/Trauma Counseling, Professional Development, a free citizenship class and much more. City of Refuge helps every refugee become productive, successful, and contributing members of our community.
• Columbia Public Schools Adult English Language Classes
  Adult English learning classes aimed toward ESL speakers and community members from other countries provided in partnership with the Columbia Public School district. Registration is required for participation, but the classes are free of charge.
• Como Comunidad
  A resource dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community in Columbia through education, support, and connection. At this time it offers limited translation services, as well as classes on everyday skills such as setting up a bank account or signing up for school and assistance in navigating the steps of acquiring housing.
• Language Partners Program
  (573) 882-6621
  This is a free program through the MU Women’s Center and is open to all interested individuals. LPP pairs one native English speaker with one non-native English speaker. The pairs get together once a week for a minimum of one hour to practice conversational English.
• Refugee and Immigration Services
  (573) 635-7719
  Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is the contracting agency of the Missouri Department of Social Services Refugee Resettlement Program for our region. They provide refugees with initial housing, provision of clothing and furniture, household goods and food, education placement and introduction to government and community service providers. They also offer low-fee legal assistance in immigration matters before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. This service has been discontinued as of March 31, 2025. More information can be found here.

Resources Available through DBRL

• Adult New Reader Collection
  These are materials for native and non-native speaking adults who are learning to read in English. The collection is composed of high interest/low level books for adults, abridged classics and some easier nonfiction and biographies.
• Bluebird Languages
  Offers lessons in over 160 languages with a large selection of native language settings so you can learn in your native tongue. Also available via app on Apple and Android devices after creating a personal account in a web browser.
• English as a Second Language Collection
  DBRL’s English as a Second Language collection offers print and audio resources to help non-native speakers learn English. It includes preparation materials for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• LearningExpress Library
  Learning Express Library provides test preparation materials for elementary through adult levels including United States Citizenship tests and a collection of skill building and test preparation materials in Spanish.
• Mango Languages
  Mango Languages is an intuitive, easy to start language learning platform, with 500+ language learning resources for 70+ languages and 20+ ESL courses.  (Must create a username and password to access learning tools.)

Additional Resources

• Family Health Center and South Providence Medical Park-MU Hospital Medical Access Videos
  University of Missouri Health Care has created videos available in 8 different languages for refugees and immigrants to provide information about the services these facilities provide.
• Immigrants’ Rights from ACLU
  Provides basic guidance on making safe and informed decisions in confrontations with ICE and related scenarios.
• Mental Health Services for refugees
  A video about mental health services available for refugees and immigrants.  It is available in English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda and Burmese.
• The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
  ORR is a part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Their office provides social services to help refugees become self-sufficient as quickly as possible after their arrival in the United States. Much of their role is to oversee and provide guidance to State-administered programs.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  The Citizenship Resource Center of USCIS offers educational tools, FAQs, and other pertinent information about U.S. citizenship.

Nonprofit Organizations

• eBooks About Nonprofits
  There are a number of books and eBooks about nonprofits in the Library’s collection; search by subject or keyword “nonprofit.”
• Attorney General’s Office Registration
  By law most charitable organizations and professional fundraisers must register with the Attorney General’s office. Instructions and forms may be downloaded here.
• Creating a Nonprofit in Missouri
  Step by step directions on creating a 501(c)(3) corporation by the University of Missouri Extension, Community Development Program.
• Idealist.org: Find Nonprofit Organizations
  A nonprofit site where people and organizations exchange resources and ideas and locate opportunities and supporters.
• Tax Information for Charities and Other Nonprofits
  Information provided by the IRS on the registration & filing requirements for establishing nonprofit organizations.

Funding

• Candid
  Nonprofit funding guides Foundation Center and GuideStar have combined to form Candid. Has guides to proposal writing, budgeting basics or grants for individuals in arts, writers, students, and much more.
• Catalog of Federal Grants
  The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is the source for federal grants to state and local governments, organizations and individuals, plus information on how to apply and how to write a grant proposal.
• The Grantsmanship Center
  Free access to funding sources in each state plus information on upcoming training programs for grant seekers. Register for free access to daily grant announcements from the Federal Register. Workshops and publications are fee-based.

Boone County – Food

• Free Little Pantries and Blessing Boxes
  Items are anonymously donated and anonymously received as needs arise. Much like little free libraries, the idea behind a blessing box is to take what you need and leave what you can. You can also check the Mid-Mo Blessings Boxes and Free Little Pantries Group Facebook page.
• Loaves and Fishes – Columbia
  Dinner is served seven nights a week from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at 1509 Ashley St., Columbia. 573-875-4913
• Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
  Food pantry offered from 1-3 p.m. on first and third Tuesday each month.
  702 Banks Ave., Columbia. 573-443-0611
• Russell Chapel Food Pantry
  Food distributed the second and fourth Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon
  108 E. Ash St., Columbia. 573-424-4408
• St. Francis House
  Breakfast Monday – Saturday, 7-8:30 a.m.
  Dinner Daily, 7-9 p.m; Thursdays it is 7-8 p.m.
  901 Rangeline St., Columbia. 573-875-4913
• Salvation Army Harbor House
  Daily lunch noon-1 p.m.
  602 N. Ann St., Columbia. 573-442-1984
• Food Bank Market
  Call for referral to distribution points/ID requirements.  Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 pm; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  705 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia. 573-874-7848

Boone County – Shelter

• City of Columbia Affordable Housing Resource Guide
• Columbia/Boone County Resource and Referral Guide
• Flourish Homes
  A local program providing housing, case management and resources to young adults, aged 16-24. Contact 573-615-6135 or info@allyouthflourish.org for more information.
• Room at the Inn
  1509 Ashley St., Columbia. 573-825-6029 (only answered after 5 p.m.)
  Overnight shelter for adults 18+. Speak to a staff member at the door to get on the list for the night. Check in 5:30-9 p.m. The shelter is accessible from the Go Como Transit Orange Route. A shuttle will also be provided from Wilkes Boulevard Methodist Church, 702 Wilkes Blvd. Monday-Friday at 3:45 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.
• Safe Families for Children – Mid Missouri
  807 N. Providence Rd., Columbia. 573-217-0377
  This Christian nonprofit temporarily hosts children in their homes and provides a network of support to families in crisis while they get back on their feet.
• Safe Place
  Text SAFE and your current location (address/city/state) to 44357
  Provides access to immediate help and support for all young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses.
• Salvation Army Harbor House
  602 N. Ann St., Columbia. 573-442-1984
  Emergency overnight shelter when the temperature is below 35 degrees and transitional 90-day shelter (61 beds) for men, women and families; daily community lunch.
• St. Francis House
  901 Rangeline St., Columbia. 573-875-4913
  Temporary shelter for men ages 18+. No deadline for stay (duration varies according to need). Breakfast and dinner available.
• True North
  Shelter: 573-875-1370 or 800-548-2480
  Crisis line for the deaf: 800-380-3323
  Provides a safe place for victims of domestic and sexual violence fleeing from their abuser.
• Turning Point
  United Methodist Church at 702 Wilkes Blvd. Suite 301, Columbia. 573-214-4077
  Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Sundays 12:30-4 p.m. This day facility has showers, phones and employment resources. Overnight warming center for adults 18+ when the temperatures is below 25 degrees, 7 p.m.-7 a.m.
• Voluntary Action Center
  403A Vandiver Dr., Columbia. 573-874-2273
  Provides financial assistance with basic and emergency needs, including food and shelter.
• Welcome Home, Inc.
  2120 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia. 573-443-8001
  An emergency and transitional shelter for Veterans.
• Wabash Bus Station
  126 N. 10th St., Columbia. 573-874-7282
  The Wabash Bus Station lobby is open to provide riders with shelter from the weather (though it will not serve as one of the city’s designated warming/cooling centers.) The lobby is open weekdays from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Boone County Resources Map

View Columbia, Missouri Emergency Shelter & Food in a larger map

Callaway County- Food

• Callaway Senior Center
  531 Commons Dr., Fulton. 573-642-2458
  Serves as a warming center and provides meals for seniors Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $4 for guests 60+, costs $6.50 for anyone under the age of 60.
• Holts Summit Food Pantry
  460 S. Summit Dr., Holts Summit. 573-896-4041 and 573-694-1698
  The food pantry is currently housed at Union Hill and is open in the fellowship hall of the activities building every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The one exception to that is the second Thursday of every month when the hours are 5:30-7 p.m.
• The Journey Episcopal Church
  6 W. 9th St., Fulton. 417-229-7585
  If the chalkboard is outside, they are open. They provide a place to stay and use resources such as the Internet, play games and get food. Free meals after Sunday service.
• Open Table
  Serves dinner Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6 p.m.
  John C. Harris Community Center, 350 Sycamore St., Fulton. 573-642-7611
• Serve, Inc.
  4901 Co. Rd. 304, Fulton. 573-642-6388, oneserve@serveinc.net
  The Food Pantry program provides fresh produce, canned and dry goods, as well as frozen foods and meats to clients once a month based on availability. Personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, household items, baby products and pet supplies may also be distributed pending availability. Clients must provide proof of ID every month they pick up and proof of address once every six months. Food Pantry assistance is offered to individuals in need, regardless of income. Must apply in advance.

Callaway County- Shelter

• Our House – Callaway County
  • Haven House: Haven House is a temporary, transitional shelter designed to support families with children who are seeking independence. Prospective guests (married adults with minor children, single adults with minor children, or disabled adults) may request admittance through the Executive Director. All guests will undergo a background check and an in-person or phone interview with the Executive Director. Guests must have a form of identification for all members of their family. We do not admit persons with an active warrant, sex offense, or multiple assault charges. 829 Jefferson St., Fulton. 573-642-6065
  • Wiley House: A photo ID is required to enter. Guests cannot stay if there is a warrant for their arrest; if they are a sex offender; if they have a violent criminal record or if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All guests must abide by the Wiley House rules. 831 Jefferson St., Fulton. 573-642-6065
    November 1-March 31: Check-in between 6 and 8 p.m.; exit by 8 a.m.
    April 1-October 31: Check-in between 8 and 9 p.m.; Exit by 8 a.m.

• YMCA of Callaway County
  1715 Wood St., Fulton. 573-642-1065
  Has free showers available.

Free Clothing

• Callaway Cares
  5000 Red Maple Ln., Fulton. 573-590-0378
• The Community Closet
  Free clothing and home goods store open to the public.
  Open every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  400 E. Sexton St., Harrisburg. 660-596-6456
• Trends
  Non-profit consignment/thrift store. Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  400 Gaylord Dr., Fulton. 573-642-7044
• Twice Blessed (at Midway Locust Grove Church)
  Household items (no furniture), kids items, clothing, and hygiene items on the first and third Thursday each month from noon-5 p.m.
  2600 N. Locust Grove Church Rd., Columbia. Twice Blessed is located nearby at the corner of Locust Grove Church Rd. and Henderson Rd. (look for the sign)
• The Wardrobe
  Volunteer run thrift store and consignment shop. Open Tuesdays 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. those with a referral from a social service agency or church may receive free clothing, shoes and household goods.
  715 Park Ave., Columbia. 573-442-3260

General & Referral

• Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA)
  807 N. Providence Rd., Columbia. 573-443-8706
  Part of a national network of Community Action agencies dedicated to eradicating the causes and conditions of poverty. The CMCA Area Resource Guide is a comprehensive guide of resources available to lower-income individuals and families in need.
• CoMo Mobile Aid
  A local organization dedicated to providing both resources and referrals to resources for marginalized communities. Their resource page contains links for resources related to food, housing, clothing, medical clinic, pet care, seasonal needs and other services available in and around Columbia.
  hello@comomobileaid.org
• Love Columbia
  1209 E. Walnut St., Columbia. 573-256-7662
  Love Columbia’s goal is to provide a single point of access to assistance from many of Columbia’s local organizations, including housing resources, food resources, employment resources, and many more. The information library, and the career clearinghouse especially, are invaluable resources to connect with helpful organizations in the community.
• Missouri Crisis Services
  • Phone: 1-888-761-4357; Columbia: 573-445-5035
  • Suicide prevention: 988 (call or text)
  • 24/7 Deaf Crisis Line: 321-800-3323
    • Deaf line (phone): 573-445-5005 (V/TTY); Toll free: 800-380-DEAF (V/TTY)
    • Deaf line (video): 573-303-5604
    • Text: Text HAND to 839863

• Voluntary Action Center
  403A Vandiver Dr., Columbia. 573-874-2273
  Provides financial assistance with basic and emergency needs, including food and shelter. Walk-in Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m-noon and 1-4 p.m.
• United Way
  2-1-1 or 800-427-4626
  Assistance for everything from rental assistance to counseling.

Health Services

• Burrell Behavioral Health
  A Community Mental Health Center that offers a full continuum of care through its integrated network. It creates individualized care plans and staff collaborates with families, schools, healthcare systems and other networks to provide the appropriate care for each situation. Sliding scale payment and financial aid available.
  Berrywood Clinic 3401 Berrywood Dr., Columbia. 573-777-8300. Intake and walk-in, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
  Columbia Behavioral Crisis Center 1805 E. Walnut St., Columbia. 573-777-7522. Walk-in behavioral crisis center, available  24/7/365.
  Ash Street Clinic 105 E. Ash St. 100, Columbia. 573-777-7530. Outpatient support. Weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  Phoenix Clinic 90 E. Leslie Lane, Columbia. 573-875-8880. Addiction Recovery Services. Weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Callaway County Health Department
  4950 Co Rd. 304, Fulton. 573-642-6881
  Offers services from testing to nutrition to breastfeeding counseling, can provide immunizations and birth certificates, and more. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4p.m.
• Compass Health Network Clinics
  Provides access to community members of all ages for primary medical, dental, immunizations, substance abuse and mental health services, with emphasis on the medically underserved.
  3501 Berrywood Dr., Columbia. 844-853-8937.
• Community Health Center of Central Missouri: Dental and Medical Assistance
  561 Commons Dr., Fulton. 573-632-2777
• Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic
  Free counseling and case management. ibhc@health.missouri.edu, 105 E. Ash St., Columbia. 573-882-9871. Thursdays noon- 9 p.m.
• MedZou Clinic
  A faculty-sponsored medical clinic. Free primary health care, education and prevention to uninsured residents of Central Missouri.
  105 E. Ash St. 200, Columbia. 573-356-2499. Thursdays 5-9 p.m.
• For a list of mental health and substance abuse resources see our Mental Health Guide.
• Public Health and Human Services – Columbia/Boone County
  Assists in preventing and treating diseases, provides a variety of testing and immunizations to the community, as well as health promotion and education. Through the WIC and community nutrition program, provides income-based nutrition services to pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children up to their fifth birthday.

Local Opportunities

Check the “Get Involved” section in the Tuesday edition of The Columbia Daily Tribune.

• AARP Tax-Aide Program
  Assist lower-income and older people with online tax preparation January through April. Training is provided.
• American Red Cross
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MO
  Become a mentor for a child between ages 5 and 18.
• The Bluffs
  Senior living facility with opportunities for short-term and long-term volunteering. If interested in volunteering, please contact their Life Enrichment department.
• Boone County Animal Care
  Foster homeless pets or help with event planning and fundraising.
• Boone County History and Culture Center
  Opportunities to help educate about local history, with a wide variety of roles requesting volunteers including tour guides, front desk staff, field trip educators and event staff.
• Boys & Girls Club of the Columbia Area – Get Involved
  For more information call (573) 874-1697.
• Callaway County SERVE, Inc.
  This nonprofit social services agency in Fulton offers services like a food pantry, transportation system, senior volunteer placement and thrift store.
• Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia
  This organization operates end-of-life personal care homes. Volunteers can assist in a variety of ways including: administrative/office, visiting/sitter, cooking, nursing, home modifications, yard work and mowing, errands and grocery shopping, snow shoveling and laundry
• Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center 
  This organization provides comprehensive equine assisted therapy to more than 150 individuals per year.
• Central Missouri Community Action
  Help families through programs like Head Start, Foster Grandparents, Family Support, and a variety of life-skills and financial development initiatives.

• Central Missouri Food Bank
  Give money, give time, give food.
• Central Missouri Humane Society
  Opportunities to work with the animals at the shelter.
• City of Refuge
  To volunteer to help refugees in the community, submit an application with their online form.
• Columbia, MO Office of Volunteer Services
  A variety of opportunities for adults and youth.
• Columbia Public Schools
  Help with tutoring, reading to students, assisting in the computer lab and more.
• Columbia Second Chance
  Become a pet foster parent, work in the adoption center or do kennel chores, etc.
• CoMo Mobile Aid Collective
  A volunteer organization that comprises the CoMo Mobile Soup Kitchen, CoMo Mobile Med Team, CoMo Mobile Wabash Team, and other programs to help serve our unsheltered neighbors. Contact at comomobileaid@gmail.com for more information.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
  Heart of Missouri CASA volunteers watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to ensure they aren’t lost in the legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home.
• Friends of the Library
  Groups in Columbia, Callaway County and Southern Boone County provide the library with additional funds for needed materials and services.
• Grade A Plus
  An academic tutoring and community mentoring program designed to provide free academic support and cultural enrichment to K-12 students.
• Habitat for Humanity – Show-Me Central Chapter
  Build affordable housing in partnership with people in need.
• Hogan House
  Formerly known as Mema’s House, this site has been designated as an empowerment center for the Demaret Drive neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri. It works in association with Love Columbia, the Food Bank and Dosomethingrightnow.org.
• Hospitals
  Assist with a number of compassionate-care duties.
  • Boone Health
  • Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
  • MU Health Care Facilities
  • VA Columbia Missouri Healthcare System
• IRS Tax Volunteers
  Join the IRS sponsored program to help low to middle income and older people complete their taxes. Training provided through the IRS website.
• KOPN-FM
• Meals on Wheels
  Deliver hot meals to seniors and people with disabilities.
• MU Museum of Art and Archaeology
  Become a docent, a tour guide or help in the museum shop. Training provided.
• Phoenix Family
  Volunteer opportunities that support their after-school program in Columbia.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri
  Help families staying in the area while their child receives treatment in Columbia area hospitals.
• Salvation Army
  -Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N Ann St, Columbia, (573) 442-1984
  -Salvation Army Family Services, 1108 W Ash St, Columbia, (573) 442-3229
• Services for Independent Living
• Show-Me State Games & Senior Games
• State Historical Society of Missouri
  Volunteer opportunities include repairing fragile newspapers, making copies, data entry and more.
• St. Francis House Catholic Worker Community – Columbia
  Operates St. Francis House for men and Lois Bryant House for women.
• True/False Film Festival
• TRYPS Children’s Theater
• United Way–Heart of Missouri Chapter
• Voluntary Action Center
  Find a volunteer opportunity for you.
• Welcome Home
  A non-profit Veteran-centric organization, with a community-based approach, that empowers homeless and at-risk Veterans to return to society as productive self-supporting citizens.

National

• AmeriCorps
  Join thousands of Americans serving to meet critical needs in communities throughout the nation. Health coverage and training provided.
• Dream Factory
  Help fulfill the dream of a seriously ill child.
• Idealist.org
  Project of Action Without Borders. Search the database for volunteer listings worldwide.
• Serve.gov
  Provides information on government programs and opportunities to serve in the USA.
• Volunteer.gov
  America’s Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal. Search by state and agency.

International

• Idealist.org
  Database for volunteer listings worldwide.
• Peace Corps
  Volunteers serve in countries from Asia to Central America, and from Europe to Africa. Minimum age is 18; training provided.
• Volunteer Abroad
  Search over 27,000 opportunities abroad.