Central Union Mission — Local services in Washington

We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our partnership, support, and hands-on participation with First Baptist Church of Glenarden at Central Union Mission in Washington, DC. This collaboration has been a powerful reminder that when faith-driven compassion meets strategic action, real people and communities feel the impact.

Our partnership at a glance Shared mission, shared energy: Our team and the church community are aligned around lifting families, empowering neighbors in need, and modeling servant leadership. The partnership blends spiritual values with practical, on-the-ground assistance. Strategic support that sticks: From fundraising campaigns to volunteer mobilization and in-kind services, our role has been to amplify impact where it’s most needed—without compromising the mission or the dignity of every person we serve.

On-the-ground impact Immediate needs, lasting outcomes: Through Central Union Mission, we’ve supported essential services like meals, shelter, and critical resources for families experiencing hardship. Community reach expanded: Our joint initiatives have not only provided relief but also connected individuals to ongoing programs, job training, and supportive networks that foster long-term resilience.

Volunteer mobilization: Our team has rolled up their sleeves alongside church members and mission staff, turning simple acts of service into meaningful experiences of solidarity. Digital and in-person engagement: We’ve built a multi-channel approach to storytelling—sharing real stories of impact, updating supporters, and inviting broader participation through social, email, and local community forums.

Community impact and feedback Dignity-first approach: Every interaction centers on respect, listening, and empowering individuals to take next steps toward stability. Strong relationships: The partnership has strengthened trust between local congregants, mission staff, and our team—creating a reliable network of support for families in need.

What this partnership means for our organization Purpose-driven visibility: Aligning with First Baptist Church of Glenarden and Central Union Mission elevates our brand as a catalyst for positive change, rooted in faith-inspired service. Deep community connections: We’re not just delivering aid—we’re building relationships that foster hope, mentorship, and pathways to opportunity. A model for future collaborations: This partnership demonstrates how businesses, faith communities, and service organizations can co-create impactful programming that respects and uplifts participants.

Bottom line Our partnership with First Baptist Church of Glenarden at Central Union Mission in Washington, DC has been an inspiring journey of collaboration, compassion, and tangible community uplift. It’s a testament to what can happen when a company commits to serving alongside faith communities to meet people’s immediate needs while empowering them for brighter futures. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute and eagerly look forward to continuing this meaningful work together. If your organization is seeking a purpose-driven partnership that combines outreach, hospitality, and measurable impact, this collaboration is a...

I went to the location on Bladensburg Road in NE washington DC. A woman named Kathy was working the front desk,, When you arrive they say they will take the first 25 people in line and give them pantry food and clothing, However they suggest you arrive at 2:00pm to get a number, but the process always changes. I arrived at 1:50pm and they did not give numbers this time. This Thursday, but this time they did not pass out numbers. I was number 23 in line. When they opened the door people jumped out of cars and cut the line. They counted 25 people as the entered the warehouse and Kathy accepted the first 25 people counting them as they went into the door, with no regard to the fact that people jumped out of cars and cut the line with friends. Needless to say, five people including myself were told to wait outside in the 96 degree weather under a tent. Kathy said they would try to help us and give us something when they finished serving the people who went in. (the first 25 people) We waited about 15 minutes, then a lady went inside, begged someone to let us in and they eventually allow us to wait in the building, which was cool. At about 3:25 pm Kathy came to us with a big smile on her face stating that she could not serve us, that they could only serve the first 25 people and said she would help us with something to hold us over for today, and that we can come back another day, She proceeded into the back and gave us a bag with about 6 oranges, three loafs of bread, stale cake, and cherries and told us to come back another day. One lady was a diabetic and begged for food. She spoke to Kathy prior to her bagging up the food she issued out and asked her not to give her too much bread or starch because she was a diabetic and showed her diabetic fistula implant. Kathy with a big smile on her face, proceeded to explain, this should hold you over for today, please come back tomorrow. She handed her a bag with oranges, cake, bread, and cherries. This may be the policy, however, as much food that was in the warehouse, we did not get any vegetables, meat or canned goods, or clothing. We saw them bringing containers of spinach and other foods but they were not issued out to us, Could you imagine this??? The experience was quite degrading and I feel unacceptable. They started this new thing about serving 25 people last year. They used to help much much more. I am appreciative of the program, and if Kathy was doing her job the way she was instructed, I cannot blame her, It just really is horrible to see a warehouse full of food clothing etc... and people being turned away who direly...

I discovered Central Union Mission online, after my ex-students reported to me the issue of homelessness, among their peers in their public high school. If it were not for my beautiful students reporting this grave image that was etched in my conscience, I clearly would not be at this venerable organization.

The Mission has been a think tank for me - literally. The goals of the Mission is to restore the men, spiritually. So, that they can reconnect with family members and friends. And, to live successful lives.

The entire organization exemplifies courage, goodwill, trust, love and respect. I love it when I volunteer and someone says hello. A little kindness goes a long way. But, the secret is that kindness enables the men in the shelter to feel better about themselves, have more confidence, believe in themselves.

I have witnessed powerful transformations, due in large part to the certification programs offered at the Mission. These programs work! It's a successful formula. The men provides testimonies on a regular basis.

The Director provided invaluable information directly to my ex-students who were anxious to help their peers. The information will be with them for a lifetime. Think about these young people, our future leaders of America listening to a Director who has expertise on homelessness. It was incredibly moving! I watched my ex-students faces. The powerful message was sinking in.

Finally, I am incredibly blessed to be working beside a Coordinator who works tireless. He shows compassion and commitment to everything he does, on behalf of the Mission. His presentations regarding the history of the organization is so thoroughly inspiring. The volunteers walk away knowing something about this institution that they didn't know before they arrived. What a learning experience!

Thank you Central Union Mission for helping me to reach out more, share more, love more, support more. At the moment, I'm reaching for the stars, on behalf of the men in the shelter. To the men, YES, YOU CAN!

HPB --...