A groundbreaking ceremony was held to begin construction of a major expansion for the Union Rescue Mission in north Wichita.

Construction will get started on July 8th to create several enhancements to the facility at 2800 North Hillside.  The project will:

• Renovate an existing wing for emergency overnight shelter guests. This includes two new classrooms for training and new showers, bathrooms and bed space for shelter guests.
• Create 52 living areas for men in the Mission’s long-term, residential programs. Each living area will include a bed, built-in desk, bookshelf and locker for men completing the “Solid Ground” and “Courage to Change” programs.
• Create 19 living areas for men released from incarceration. These new spaces are for men who will go directly into the Mission’s programs and will be equipped to launch again having to spend no time on the streets.
• Update the dining hall. URM served over 103,000 meals in 2023.
• Construct a new commons area. This space doesn’t currently exist at URM and will offer a comfortable area for studying, conversing and planning the next day’s activities.

The Union Rescue Mission raised over $2 million through its Dreams Rebuilt capital campaign that began in December, 2020.   Kurt Yowell, chairman of the URM board of directors, said in a press release,  “These renovations will not only freshen a well-worn facility, they will also provide a Chapel, additional classrooms, an updated emergency overnight shelter facility, improved security and safety features, and a degree of privacy and dignity for the men in programs.”

The project is expected to be completed in March, 2025.  The Mission also plans to raise an additional $110,000 to upgrade security in the parking lot behind the facility.

[ photo:  Union Rescue Mission – Facebook ]