Memphis Union Mission

Who Can Visit?

Memphis Union Mission serves men, women, and families who are homeless, addicted, or in crisis. The Men's Emergency Shelter at 383 Poplar Ave. is open 365 days a year. If you need emergency food or shelter, you can come to this location during check-in hours: 8:00 am to 10:30 am and 1:00 pm to 6:45 pm. All new guests may receive up to 60 days free.

Good to Know

The Mission is open every day of the year. Lunch is available daily to men who check in for the day. Dinner and breakfast are reserved for overnight guests. The shelter is described by visitors as a clean, safe place for men facing homelessness or tough times. You can reach the Mission at (901) 526-8403 or email info@memphisunionmission.org.

Food & Essentials

The Mission serves three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are provided to men staying at the shelter, with lunch open to men who check in for the day. Guests also receive a clean set of clothing from the clothes closet, including fresh shirts, pants, shoes, socks, underwear, coats, and accessories at no charge. Guests also get access to hot showers with soap and shampoo.

How to Pick Up

Men in need of emergency food can come directly to the shelter at 383 Poplar Ave. during check-in hours (8:00 am to 10:30 am and 1:00 pm to 6:45 pm) to receive meals and other support.

Additional Support

Memphis Union Mission offers much more than meals. The Mission hosts a free medical clinic for the homeless on Mondays and Thursdays in partnership with Christ Community Health Services and Baptist Memorial Healthcare, where guests can see a nurse and doctor and get referrals.

The Iron-on-Iron Program is the Mission's long-term, Christ-centered recovery program for men. It's a one-year intensive residential program with three phases, focused on healing, recovery from life-controlling problems, and preparing for successful living. Phase 1 takes place at the Men's Emergency Shelter.

The Mission also operates additional programs and housing for those who need longer-term support, including the Extended Stay Center (for employed men or those receiving disability), the Calvary Colony recovery campus, transitional housing, and programs for women and families.

Facilities

Overnight guests at the Men's Emergency Shelter have access to safe, clean shelter. Guests can take hot showers with soap and shampoo. The Mission's clothes closet is stocked with fresh clothing and is available to guests at no charge.

Ways to Give

Memphis Union Mission runs entirely on private donations and receives no government funding. You can give online at memphisunionmission.org/donate, or by PayPal. In-kind donations of clothing, food, bath towels, toiletries, over-the-counter medicine, and household items are also welcome. All donated items should be clean and in good condition. Drop off in-kind donations at the Men's Emergency Shelter at 383 Poplar Ave., Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (no donations between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm). The donation drop-off area is behind the building. For questions, email rdaniels@memphisunionmission.org or call (901) 526-8434, ext. 1008.

How to Join the Team?

Memphis Union Mission welcomes volunteers as individuals, families, church groups, and corporate teams. Opportunities include serving meals, doing work days (cleaning, painting, small repairs), running donation drives, and more.

For families, every Friday night (except fifth Fridays) is "Friday Family Night" at the Men's Emergency Shelter at 383 Poplar Ave. You don't need to call ahead. Just show up by 4:45 pm and ask for Randy Daniels. Volunteers serve dinner starting at 5:00 pm and are welcome to stay for the evening chapel service.

For other volunteer opportunities and scheduling, contact Randy Daniels at (901) 526-8434, ext. 1008, or visit the volunteer opportunities page.

For those interested in discipling men in the Mission's recovery program, download the Discipleship Program Guide and then contact Rogers Heffner at RHeffner@MemphisUnionMission.org or (901) 526-8403, ext. 2016.