River of Refuge

The story of River of Refuge, a wonderful nonprofit organization that helps provide Kansas City's working homeless with a stable environment.

Part of our mission at River Church Family includes "releasing hope to our world through the love of Jesus." In 2006, a River Church Family Life Group embodied our mission when they began to serve families living at a local pay-by-the-week motel. What began as providing a simple meal and an opportunity to hear about the love of Jesus transformed into each one of the River's Life Groups taking turns serving a hot meal to families living in the motel each week. As a result, individual relationships formed and grew, and serving these families became a centerpiece of River Church Family.

From this heart to love and serve our neighbors, River of Refuge was established, a separate non-profit organization designed to meet the needs of these working poor families trapped in high-rent one-room motels. In 2009, River of Refuge purchased an abandoned hospital building, in faith that God would provide what was needed to serve these families.

River Church Family has continued to partner with and support River of Refuge through its process of remodeling the old hospital building, opening 11 transitional housing units, and serving the unique needs of families and children moving from homelessness to self-sufficiency. n 2022, River of Refuge continued to expand as construction was completed on an additional 10 housing units to meet ongoing needs. Several River Church Family members are part of the Board of Directors at River of Refuge. In addition, Community Connections Pastor Gregg Relaford is the Facilities Member there, and church member and life group leader Clark Pickett is the Accounting Manager there. It is our privilege to serve and minister to these families and integrate them into our lives whenever possible.