What is VAC Opportunity Campus?
VAC Opportunity Campus is powered by the VAC and brings together organizations from across Columbia to reach a common goal—empowering people to Make Home Happen.
Located in Columbia, the VAC OC will be equipped with an Emergency Shelter, the Cindy Mustard Resource Center, and a Medical Clinic. For the first time in Boone County history, collaborative partners will come together in one place to empower our unhoused neighbors to start anew.
VAC Opportunity Campus is powered by VAC and brings together organizations from across Columbia to reach a common goal—empowering people to Make Home Happen and start anew.
Who is VAC?
As an anchor in the Columbia community for over 50 years, the VAC has provided emergency services and resources to residents experiencing hardship and homelessness in Boone County.
VAC reaches out to those in need with basic and emergency services in the areas of health, employment, education, and housing.
In 2025, the VAC provided service to 8,479 individuals in 3,533 households with more than 21,992 basic needs.
The key to making homelessness a brief, rare, and non-recurring experience is the comprehensive services that will be offered at VAC Opportunity Campus.
Campus Partners
Turning Point, a ministry of Wilkes Blvd United Methodist Church, will provide daytime drop-in services and serve as the point of access for facilitating building services to all clients at the Shelter Building.
Room at the Inn will provide low-barrier shelter services 365 days a year.
Missouri Faith Voices will support VAC Opportunity Campus through organizing congregational support and promoting racial equity for all people.
Loaves and Fishes will provide free community evening meals to approximately 150 people each night.
Collaborative Support Network
For the first time in Boone County History, several agencies across Columbia will come together, in one place, to offer comprehensive services to our homeless neighbors.
These agencies are part of our Collaborative Support Network and include our Campus Partners as well as more than 15 area organizations.
Housing First Principles
VAC Opportunity Campus was designed using evidence-based research based on Housing First Principles which provides housing to homeless individuals with very few barriers.
The goal of the Campus is to move our unsheltered neighbors from the Shelter to housing as quickly as possible, making homelessness a brief, rare, and non-recurring experience.
Campus Site plan
Located in Columbia, the Campus will be equipped with a Shelter, the Cindy Mustard Resource Center, and a medical clinic.
Additional details about the site plan and building design are on The Camus page.