Shelter KC: A Kansas City Rescue Mission

1950

Dr. Jarrette E. Aycock became superintendent of the Kansas City District Church of the Nazarene and eight years later, founded Kansas City Rescue Mission (KCRM). Establishing KCRM wasn’t easy—in fact, the Mission moved three times in its first five years before purchasing a three-story building at 523 Walnut Street which became its home for almost three decades.

Dr. Aycock, founded the Mission in 1950. He was a man who knew the heartache and shame of alcoholism and homelessness. After many years of drinking and drifting, Aycock’s life was transformed when he accepted Christ as his Savior at Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. “As I sat in chapel looking at the derelicts, drunks, and dope addicts around me, I got to thinking that I had been like them before and would be like them again if I didn’t get free of the old habits and ceaseless downward pull that had plagued my life for years,” he later wrote.

1985

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.

1990's

In the early 1990’s, renovations to the new location enabled KCRM to start the Christian Discipleship Program. Renamed the Christian Community of Recovery, the program continues today. Its goal is “to help individuals receive from God a Christian life within a healthy community for a lifetime of recovery.”

1991 to 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

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

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. When women enter our doors, they experience what it feels like to be treated with dignity for perhaps the first time, and the encouragement to embrace the full, vibrant life God intended for them.

On July 15, 2013, the Women's Center opened its doors and welcomed its first clients.

2019

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

In 2020, Eric Burger was named as the Executive Director to succeed Joe Colaizzi following his retirement after 35 years of service to the Mission. Eric joined Shelter KC after working with rescue missions all over the U.S. for more than 40 years. When asked why he chose rescue mission work he said, "I love seeing transformation of hurting men and women as they discover a new life with Jesus."

At both Shelter KC's Men's and Women's Center, our guests receive financial, legal, and spiritual support, healthcare, career guidance, addiction recovery resources, educational opportunities, and housing guidance. Shelter KC's staff works with each individual to create a personal life transformation... and Christ is at the center of that transformation. Whether there for a night or a year, all are encouraged to "make good plans for the future and pursue the Lord daily."

2023

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

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

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 is actively underway on Phase 2 of the Transformations Campaign. This expansion includes new Recovery Community Housing, a welcoming entry experience, dedicated chapel space, community kitchens, and outdoor areas; all thoughtfully designed to promote dignity, stability, and healing. Completion is anticipated in summer 2026.