About Us

Central Union Mission is the oldest social service agency in the District of Columbia. It was founded in 1884 by the Reverend Latham Douglass, a young man filled with compassion for the thousands of homeless, neglected men who wandered Pennsylvania Avenue, many of whom were Civil War veterans.

For the past 125 years, the Mission has continuously operated an emergency shelter for homeless men and been a place for spiritual uplift and recovery. It has survived the Great Depression, two world wars, 24 presidential administrations, neighborhood transitions, and numerous relocations.

The Mission Today

Today, Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with four locations throughout the Washington area. It operates an 18-month rehabilitation program for men with life-controlling issues, a free meals program, a clothing and furniture distribution center, and a 220-acre retreat center with a camp for underprivileged children and recreation facilities for the community.

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

One life at a time, the Mission transforms 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 program has an 80% success rate at helping individuals overcome addiction and homelessness, and to achieve independence.

A Successful Track Record

Last year, Central Union Mission delivered:

158,185 Nutritious Mealsprovided for men, women, families and children that included regular meals, groceries, luncheons and special event celebrations.

3,373 Gifts to Childrenincluding clothing and toys at Christmas,new backpacks filled with much-needed supplies for back-to-school, and a wholesome summer camp experience.

10,921 Families Supported through the distribution of clothing, furniture & household goods.

49,985Men Sheltered Overnight through residential programs that included meals, hot showers, and a comfortable, safe place to sleep.

544 Addicted Men received assistance in overcoming their life-controlling problems through the 18-month residential Spiritual Transformation program.

4,451Clients Served with counseling services, clinical visits to individuals, and professional services through health fairs, physical exams, eye exams and private medical and legal consultations.

545Adults Taught during literacy competency, GED (General Educational Development test) preparation, and English as a Second Language classes.