Voluntary Action Center (VAC) responds to the immediate basic needs of individuals and families, from birth to any given age, currently housed or experiencing homelessness, within our Boone County, Missouri community. VAC exists to empower possibilities. Our purpose is to call on our community to rise and serve one another – moving humility forward through the power of action. VAC values service, authenticity, and impact. We envision a new reality where our community takes radical responsibility for each other. Where support, service, and generosity are guiding principles of daily living. Where there is a shared understanding that what happens to one, happens to all. We are sometimes the seeker, sometimes the giver, but we all have a role to play in the ecosystem that is our community. We understand the more my neighbor thrives, the more I thrive - the more we thrive. Minimal eligibility requirements remove barriers to accessing services and promote the same fair chance to all who are currently economically disadvantaged with a gross income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. VAC does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, address size, or employment status. VAC provides basic needs services and seasonal programs primarily in the areas of education, employment, health, and housing. VAC also provides information and referral services, by phone or in person, to guide clients to community resources. VAC addresses critical issues, which include homelessness, food insecurity, period poverty, hygiene poverty, and diaper need. VAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by Heart of Missouri United Way, City of Columbia, Boone County, local faith congregations, Boone Electric Trust, federal agencies for housing services, fundraising events, and businesses, organizations, and individual donations.
