The people of the United Methodist Church have always taken a strong stand against poverty around the globe. United Methodists in Kansas are no different.
United Methodist Open Door, formerly United Methodist Urban Ministry, was founded in 1965. A group of United Methodist pastors and church members felt the church should be more responsive to the needs of our society. In the early years, with funding from the conference, United Methodist Open Door was primarily an advocacy organization.
When government funding dried up for social programs, Open Door answered the call. Since 1981, Open Door has been involved in providing services directly to the homeless and poor in Wichita and an eight county area.
Services in the Community Services Division include the Community Food Ministry, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Klothes Kloset, and Work Options program. The Homeless Services Division includes the Drop-In Center day shelter for the homeless, a Transitional Housing Program and the Vision Quest outreach program. Volunteer opportunities abound in each program.
For more information on this Kansas West Conference supported ministry, visit www.umopendoor.org or call 316-265-9371.
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