Mission Arvada is a ministry for the poor, hurting, addicted, marginalized, and homeless of our community. We take seriously the teaching of Jesus and the command to help those in need. (Matthew 25:31-45)
Mission Arvada is a homeless ministry of the Arvada Central Baptist Church (The Rising). We operate three different programs out of our church: a day shelter and housing navigation center Monday through Friday; a food pantry on Saturdays; and the Arvada Overnight Weather Shelter in severe weather during the winter months. Our programs serve adults experiencing homelessness in northern Jefferson County which is a five city region on the west side of metro Denver. Our congregation opened our food pantry around the year 2000. Our day shelter opened in 2017 as a structured response to the increasing numbers of people sleeping on the streets of Arvada. In addition, our overnight weather shelter began this season in October 2024 as a result of another ministry providing these services shutting their doors.
Our congregation voted in agreement to allow our mission to operate the day shelter and the overnight shelter out of our church building. We utilize the gymnasium, fellowship hall, church classrooms, and church kitchen to provide services to people in need. We have offered hot breakfast and lunch from the beginning, with meals being prepared by volunteers at home or in the church kitchen. A clothing bank of used clothing and personal hygiene items donated by community members from across the city was opened at the same time. The 100-year-old building was upgraded to allow a shower room to be added, with laundry services being added in 2021.
As needs were identified, additional services were added. We remove barriers for those in need by partnering with organizations that provide onsite health and dental clinics, ID recovery, legal support, job support, mental health appointments, addiction recovery services, and assistance in navigating and accessing eligible public benefits. Beyond addressing immediate needs, Mission Arvada provides in-depth, individualized, and ongoing case management toward stability and safe, long-term housing.
Mission Arvada has grown exponentially over the past 8 years, from a handful of volunteers in its early years to more than 300 active volunteers serving across our three programs. We have grown from serving a dozen or so individuals experiencing homelessness in 2017 to serving nearly 1400 individuals in 2024. We are a collaboration between The Rising, approximately twenty other churches in Arvada, and other community partners of Arvada.
On any given day there are 12-15 volunteers onsite running the shelter. Our volunteers check in clients, cook and serve food, distribute clothing and other items, manage the shower room and laundry, and sort donations. Many volunteers have worked at Mission Arvada for years and provide more advanced support, such as grant writing, kitchen management, or team leadership. We would not be successful without the input and volunteer efforts of the clients themselves! Many clients regularly volunteer to support each other through our program. Their lived experience is essential to more effectively address the complex needs of peers in similar situations.
With such a need and large pool of individuals, how do we onboard new volunteers? How do we cast our vision and create a positive culture of service?
Presenting an engaging volunteer orientation
New volunteers meet with the coordinator for one hour to learn, from the client’s perspective, about the day shelter. They learn about the wide array of services, the procedures and rules, the layout of the physical space, and the various volunteer roles needed for a successful program.
Matching skills with needs
Prospective volunteers complete an interest form, which includes questions about their past work or volunteer experience, their skills, and their passions. During the volunteer orientation, the coordinator helps decide the best role based on these questions and discussion with the prospective volunteer.
Ongoing one-on-one communication and support
Volunteers have a direct supervisor who checks in with them daily. Supervisors are adept at providing constructive feedback and answering questions 1:1.
Fostering interpersonal connection and a sense of belonging
Volunteers are encouraged to engage with each other and with the people we serve on a personal level. We grieve life’s sorrows and celebrate life’s joys together.
Volunteer appreciation
Volunteers receive recognition annually at the volunteer appreciation dinner. Volunteers receive certificates of appreciation with their hours of service. They receive gifts of thanks, like coffee mugs with our logo or bouquets of flowers. We spotlight volunteers in our monthly newsletter and on social media. Most importantly, staff and clients express heartfelt appreciation for volunteers daily.
Educational opportunities for personal and professional growth
We offer monthly training accessible to any interested volunteer on topics such as drug overdose prevention, trauma-informed care, spiritual de-escalation, and mental health first aid.
Making the work meaningful
- The work we do is sharing in the teaching of Jesus to help those in need in our community. We know that “whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17) Our reward is both here, in seeing our clients become nourished, healed, and empowered; and for eternity in Heaven.
- Serving as volunteers allows those called to exercise their faith in tangible ways that Matthew 25:35-40 speaks of….For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
- Proverbs 31:8-9 states, 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. As our volunteers serve over time, they naturally learn how to advocate and be a light on a hill for those who are unable to voice their own needs and concerns in the community, standing up for the rights and well-being of the poor and marginalized, who are often vulnerable to injustice or oppression. They assist in ensuring that justice is served for everyone, not just those who are powerful or influential.
Mission Arvada welcomes anyone who comes to our doors to receive help and to offer help. We provide countless opportunities to experience Christ’s love in action! It all starts with a simple gesture, like offering or receiving a hot plate of food. It expands from there to relationship building- human connection with dignity. Soon we begin to engage in spiritual healing. This takes the form of prayer, Bible study, discipleship classes, and Christian fellowship. These opportunities are granted to both clients and volunteers.
Through our homeless ministry, Mission Arvada volunteers are able to fulfill their personal missions in the Kingdom of God by doing the work He has called us to do. They experience first hand the many big and small miracles that happen on a daily basis, increasing and putting their faith into action by becoming hands and feet of Jesus as they walk out our faith in tangible ways, serving the marginalized members of our community.
Karen Cowling is the Executive Director of Mission Arvada Day Shelter and Housing Navigation Center.
