Project Updates

We broke ground on The Opportunity Campus in 2024. See below a timeline of the progress made over the last seven years. With your help, we can change the lives of those experiencing homelessness and Make Home Happen.

Campus Timeline

For more than four years, the Voluntary Action Center has worked together with community organizations to create a better future for our homeless and hardship-stricken neighbors.

2025:

  1. Formed Campaign Steering Committee.

  2. Underground sewer and electric work completed.

  3. Completion date estimated as March 2026.

2024:

  1. Broke ground on The Opportunity Campus site.

  2. Shelter building foundation poured.

  3. County of Boone American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded.

  4. Secured Campaign Co-Chairs.

  5. August 21 Public Campaign Launch.

  6. In November, received additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Columbia.

2023:

  1. State of Missouri budget allocation approved for the Opportunity Campus (contract signed).

  2. City of Columbia American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant submitted.

  3. County of Boone American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant submitted.

  4. Conditional Use Permit approved by Columbia City Council.

  5. Architecture renderings developed.

  6. Discussions with prospective medical partner.

  7. Campus property closed and purchased.

  8. City of Columbia American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded.

  9. J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation challenge grant awarded.

2022:

  1. City of Columbia Planning Grant for Comprehensive Homeless Services Center Plan awarded (co- applicant).

  2. Fred V. & Dorothy H. Heinkel Charitable Foundation grant awarded.

  3. Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits awarded.

  4. State approved House Bill 3020.

  5. The Shelter architect and construction contractor secured.

  6. Campus property signed contract.

2021:

  1. City of Columbia issues RFP for a Comprehensive Homeless Services Center Plan.

  2. Veterans United Foundation lead gift received.

  3. Community Foundation of Central Missouri grant awarded.

  4. Project Coordinator hired.

  5. Signed memorandum of understand (MOU) with Faith Voices.

2018 - 2019:

  1. City of Columbia Strategic Plan makes homeless population a priority.