VAC - Voluntary Action Center

Who Can Visit?

You must be a Boone County resident to receive services. Your gross monthly household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Services are subject to annual household limits and funding availability.

How to Register?

When you visit, you'll need to provide the name, birthdate, and Social Security number for everyone in your household. Have this information ready before you come in.

Items Needed for Registration

Bring the name, date of birth, and Social Security number for every person in your household.

How Often You Can Visit?

Services are subject to annual household limits. Availability also depends on current funding.

Good to Know

VAC operates on a walk-in basis during lobby hours — no appointment needed for most Resource Center services. You can typically get help the same day you come in.

VAC runs several seasonal programs throughout the year: a Back to School program (July–August) that distributes fully-stocked backpacks to children in Boone County, a Holiday Program that supports over 1,000 families with gifts, a Summer Fan Program and A/C Exchange to help neighbors stay cool, and a Summer Fan Club. Check the VAC website or call ahead for current program availability.

Rent and mortgage assistance screenings are handled by phone only — call 573-874-2273, select option 1, on Wednesdays between 9am and noon. VAC does not provide hotel, motel, or utility assistance.

The Resource Center is accessible via the Go Como Transit Orange Route.

Food & Essentials

VAC runs an emergency food pantry stocked through The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri and private donors. They also provide vouchers to the Fairview Church of Christ monthly food pantry.

Beyond food, the Resource Center offers:

• Baby formula, diapers, pull-ups, and baby hygiene packs (for children under 24 months)
• Hygiene packs, household cleaning packs, pads and tampons, flushable wipes, and toilet paper
• Clothing vouchers for The Wardrobe and professional clothing vouchers through Upscale Resale
• Help with prescription medication costs through local pharmacies
• Help with dental, medical, and vision copayments and equipment
• Photo ID and Missouri birth certificate assistance
• Gas vouchers (same-day use, valid driver's license required)
• Help with food handler cards, work uniforms, and tools for new employment
• Car/booster seat vouchers through Safe Kids

How to Pick Up

Walk in during lobby hours: Monday through Friday, 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm. You'll be seen in the lobby on the same visit — no application or waiting period for most services.

Additional Support

VAC also operates The Hub, an emergency shelter in Columbia that is open nightly year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. The Hub uses a housing-first model with case management and pathways to permanent housing. For housing services, contact VAC by phone.

For referrals to additional community partners and resources, ask staff during your visit — Information & Referral services are available.

Facilities

The Cindy Mustard Resource Center is located at 1300 Bowling St., Columbia, MO 65201, on the VAC Opportunity Campus. The lobby is spacious and walk-in friendly during open hours.

Ways to Give

You can support VAC online at vacmo.org/donate, by mail (download a form from the website), by phone at 573-874-2273 ext. 214, or by donating stock or through planned giving. VAC also has Walmart and Amazon wishlists for in-kind donations. Employer matching gifts are accepted. VAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — donations are tax-deductible (EIN: 23-7120750). 100% of your gift stays in Boone County.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers must be 18 or older. Volunteer roles include food preparation, meal service, and check-in and baggage check at the shelter. Training is available in-person ($20) or virtually (free). A no-cost community volunteer option is also available for those who want to learn about VAC or can only attend a few sessions. Visit vacmo.org/get-involved/volunteer for information on upcoming training dates.