Faithful to DC Since 1884
In the heart of Washington, DC, Central Union Mission has stood as a beacon of compassion for over 140 years—serving those in need with dignity, hope, and unwavering care.
Built on a Legacy of Compassion
In 1884, a group of faithful believers opened Central Union Mission to care for homeless veterans returning from the Civil War. Many were wounded in body and spirit, unsure how to begin again.
What started as one act of mercy has grown into a regionwide ministry—meeting people in their hardest moments and walking with them toward restoration.
We’ve served through wars, depressions, pandemics, and hardships. Through it all, we’ve stayed rooted in our calling:
to serve “the least of these” in the name of Jesus. (Matthew 25:40)
Our founders believed—and we still believe—that every life is precious, every story matters, and no one should have to face poverty, homelessness, or hunger alone.
Today, we are the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC, still depending on God’s provision and the generosity of people like you.
Our Mission
Our mission is to glorify God through proclaiming and teaching the gospel, leading people to Christ, developing disciples, and serving the needs of hurting people throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
Our Vision
Central Union Mission will transform the lives of the people we serve into Godly, productive members of society by meeting their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
We will display a gracious, sincere spirit of integrity and Christian love in everything we do. By displaying excellence in all aspects of this ministry, we will honor God and inspire the people we serve, our community, donors, volunteers and staff.
Our Statement of Faith
Our Statement of Faith
To Glorify God through proclaiming and teaching the gospel, leading people to Christ, developing disciples, and serving the needs of hurting people throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
We hold the Bible to be God’s Holy Word in its entirety. It is inspired in every part by the Holy Spirit. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21)
We hold that man was created in the image of God, holy and innocent; that of his own choice, he sinned, and as a result, brought death upon all humanity. (Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23)
We hold that those who are not saved from sin are eternally separated from God. (John 3:18)
We hold that Jesus Christ is God, born of a virgin, that He gave His life on the cross where He, who knew no sin, was made sin for us; that He was buried and rose from the dead and afterward ascended into Heaven, from whence He will come again. (John 5:39; II Corinthians 5:21; I Corinthians 15:4; Acts 2:9-11)
We hold that we are saved by grace through faith, apart from works; that the sinner who repents and personally accepts the finished work of Christ on the cross becomes a child of God; is made a new creature and is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; II Corinthians 5:17; John 14:17)
We hold that Jesus Christ is coming again for His church, to establish His kingdom on earth, to judge the wicked and the lost, to cast death and hell into the lake of fire and to dwell with the saints forever. (John 14:3; Titus 1:13; I Thessalonians 5:16-17; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:15;Revelation 22:1-5)
We hold that through preaching, teaching and ministering, Central Union Mission must use its resources and activities to bring men, women and children under the power of the gospel; that they may have victory over sin, come into fellowship with God and live Spirit-filled, fruitful lives in Christ.
A Mission That Grows With the Need
For more than 140 years, Central Union Mission has been part of this city’s heartbeat.
We’ve become a lifeline for thousands—walking alongside people facing homelessness, addiction, hunger, and fear.
But we don’t do it alone.
Every hot meal served, every job training course completed, every life restored happens because of the community that stands with us.
That includes you.
When you give, pray, volunteer, or simply share our story—you carry this mission forward.