75 years of
meeting people
where they are.
At Shelter KC, we believe that every person — regardless of the choices or circumstances that brought them here — deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and the transforming love of Jesus Christ. We are a Christ-centered rescue mission serving homeless and hurting men and women in Kansas City, just as we have since 1950.
A note on our name: For 74 years we served this city as Kansas City Rescue Mission (KCRM). In 2024 we became Shelter KC — a name that more fully reflects who we serve and the welcoming community we’re building. Our mission, our faith, and our commitment to Kansas City haven’t changed.
Our Story
There is HOPE for all who enter here.
Our Mission & Values
Why We Exist
We welcome individuals struggling due to difficult choices, tough circumstances, or both — without judgment. Our role is not to determine how someone arrived at our door. It is to walk alongside them on the path to wholeness.
We are a Christ-centered community offering freedom, support, and resources to those in need, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Christ-Centered
Transformation
Dignity
Community
We are stronger together — guests, staff, donors, churches, and city working as one.
Stewardship
We honor every gift of time, talent, and treasure with accountability and care.
Statement of Belief
The spiritual beliefs upon which Shelter KC: a Kansas City Rescue Mission was founded and that continue to drive it are outlined below. Adherence to these beliefs is common to all employees. We believe:
- In one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- The Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired by God, and tells us everything we need to know about grace, faith and salvation.
- That all persons are separated from God because of sin and that sin impacts our nature as well as our actions.
- Jesus Christ died for everyone, and anyone who turns to Him in faith and trusts in Him is forgiven.
- Followers of Jesus are called to become Christ-like disciples through the work of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live and love as Jesus did.
- Those who are forgiven and filled with the Spirit receive the gift of assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal life.
- Our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, all will be judged righteous or unrighteous and the righteous will reign with God forever.
Our history
Over 7 decades of service in the heart of Kansas City
From a single storefront in 1950 to a two-campus rescue mission serving hundreds daily, our story is one of faithful endurance, growing impact, and unwavering commitment to Kansas City’s most vulnerable.
1950 - Founded by Dr. Jarrette E. Aycock
Dr. Aycock establishes the Kansas City Rescue Mission, opening the doors of the first facility to provide shelter and spiritual care to men in need in downtown Kansas City.
1985 - Joe Colaizzi serves as Executive Director
Like Dr. Aycock, God redeemed Joe Colaizzi from a life of hopelessness and fear, then nurtured and equipped him to become Executive Director of KCRM in 1985.
1990s - New Location & Programming
Recovery & life skills programs launched The mission evolves beyond emergency relief, introducing structured recovery programming and life skills training to address the root causes of homelessness.
1991-2001
The City of Kansas City purchased the Mission’s property on Walnut in 1991. From 1991 to 2001, hundreds of individuals, churches, businesses and private foundations contributed expertise, labor and materials to complete renovations to the sprawling four-building complex.
2010 - Women's Services Established
In 2010, three studies identified gaps in services for those who were homeless in Kansas City. By August 2010, KCRM confirmed that single homeless women, many with co-occurring challenges like addiction and mental health issues were the most underserved population.
2013 - Women's Shelter Opens
In 2013, determined to stand in that gap, the Mission established the Women’s Center, a 20 bed residential facility offering homeless women a secure environment where they can heal, learn, and grow. On July 15, 2013, the Women's Center opened its doors and welcomed its first clients.
2019 - A New Name for a New Chapter
In 2019, the board of directors voted to change Kansas City Rescue Mission’s name to Shelter KC to distinguish itself and reflect the “new things” God was doing as the Mission neared its 70th anniversary.
2020 - New Executive Director
In 2020, Eric Burger became the Executive Director of Shelter KC. With over 40 years of experience in rescue missions, Eric is passionate about helping individuals transform their lives through faith. Shelter KC provides support for recovery in all areas of life, focusing on personal life transformation centered around Christ. Guests are encouraged to plan for the future and pursue their faith, regardless of their length of stay.
2023 - Renovation Begins
Shelter KC launched Phase 1 of the Transformations Campaign renovation project, focused on creating a more restorative, dignified environment for the men we serve. This phase included plans for respite rooms, the Renew Mental Health Center, the Shelter Launch Dorm, updated bathroom facilities, and StepUP beds.
2024 - Transformation Continues
Shelter KC successfully completed Phase 1 of the renovation project. These improvements marked an important step forward in supporting mental, emotional, and physical recovery through spaces designed to promote healing, hope, and transformation.
2025 - Phase 2 Begins
Shelter KC broke ground on Phase 2 of the Transformations Campaign, marking a major step forward in expanding our Men’s Center. This phase was designed to increase capacity and create spaces that better support recovery, community, and long-term transformation for the men we serve.
2026 - Construction Nears Completion
The Transformations Campaign is near completion and ShelterKC prepares for a relaunch Open House in September 2026.
“Shelter KC gave me the hope and the knowledge that any and everything is possible through Christ. Today, I work with people like myself who are in recovery. I share my story with them and help them regain their lives.”