Crossing Outreach’s new community center offers more opportunities to help the homeless

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A room once used to store supplies has been transformed into a space to support and improve the lives of those in the homeless community.

That was the vision Crossing Outreach Ministry Executive Director Roger Lenander had in mind when planning the non-profit's recently unveiled offices and community center at 613 S. 7th St.

For Lenander, the primary goal of the new venue is to provide help to the homeless, with new services to be offered beginning in 2026.

"Starting after the first (day) of the (new) year we will have meetings once a week for those on the streets or are in need of shelter. They can come to talk in a group setting about where they are in their lives, if they want to move beyond being homelessness and ways to bring more stability to their lives," Lenander said. "The sessions will contain not only those on the streets but also people from different agencies who can come and be a part of that conversation."

Among the ideas planned for the center include life skills classes, bible study groups and social gatherings.

In addition to the meetings, the space will also be used to help provide food and shelter for over 1,800 individuals.

The new center marks the latest resource offered by the longstanding non-profit, including a thrift store and food bank which helps support countless people.

"The other thing we offer is our men's Re-Entry Program, which will provide a space for them to be able to have meals or spend time together with family and friends," Lenander said. "We believe this can help them on their road to finding stability in their lives."

The Crossing Outreach is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located on 613 S. 7th St. For information on the services can be found by visiting their website at https://crossing-outreach.org/.