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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides services to support Veterans, including health care, housing solutions, job training, employment programs, mental health services, and homelessness-prevention resources. VA homelessness programs include Supportive Services for Veteran Families and HUD-VASH, which combines rental assistance with case management and clinical services.

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Compass Quest Veterans Advocacy Group provides navigation assistance and advocacy for Veterans in the community. The organization helps Veterans identify resources, understand next steps, and connect with support systems that can help them move toward stability.

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The Joplin Police Department provides public safety services for people who live in, work in, and visit Joplin. The department responds to calls for service, supports safety and security, and connects people to emergency and community response resources when needed.

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The mission of the DMH Housing Unit is to assist Missourians with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing that meets their individual and family needs. The DMH Housing Unit believes that housing is a key to helping Missourians with disabilities and their families attain self-determination, self-sufficiency and integration within the community.

Please use this link to browse Housing Assistance Resources .

The housing mission of the Division of Developmental Disabilities is to develop quality, affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities in safe locations where they can access support services, transportation, employment, and recreation throughout their lifespan. The Division of Developmental Disabilities believes there is an integral link between self-determination and housing, and strives to achieve that end through partnerships with local stakeholders, and the use of accessible housing tools and resources.

The Department of Mental Health, Department of Corrections and the Governor’s Committee to End Homelessness, have collaborated to create an interactive map of housing resources in Missouri for people reentering the community from incarceration. The map is an ongoing process to collect information about every program in Missouri that provides permanent housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelter, and so can also be used to locate resources for persons experiencing homelessness generally.

The map’s search function is county-based. To find resources, choose the appropriate county by clicking on the map or choose a county from the drop-down menu in the lower left corner. Choosing a county shows all the resources entered for that county. You can limit the results to programs most appropriate to your needs by clicking boxes in the list on the right. For instance, limit your search to programs for women only by clicking the “Serves females only” box.

Any agency with appropriate programs located in Missouri can add their program information to the map, subject to editing and approval by DMH Housing staff. Agencies with multiple programs of different types should make separate entries for each program, e.g., one entry for a permanent housing program and one for a transitional housing program; or one for a shelter serving only men and another for a shelter serving only families.

Click the link below to use the Reentry Housing Resources Map:

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Jobs.mo.gov is the Missouri Office of Workforce Development (OWD) web site. OWD provides various workforce development and employment-related programs, products, and services for businesses and job seekers. In Missouri, OWD serves as the state agency that administers the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Wagner-Peyser funding for job search and other employment-related activities.

We strive to enhance Missouri’s economy by:

Missouri’s labor exchange system, MoJobs , provides job and candidate matching at no cost. A statewide network of Missouri Job Centers and partner organizations allow us to offer a wide array of vital services to Missouri’s job seekers and businesses.

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Jasper County Public Housing Agency supports Barton, Jasper, McDonald, and Newton Counties with access to safe, affordable housing. Programs include Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8, Mainstream, VASH, and Continuum of Care vouchers. The agency provides income-based rental assistance to qualified applicants, with participants generally paying a portion of income toward rent.

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The Joplin Family YMCA provides youth, family, and community wellness programs. Services can include youth programming, childcare or camp activities, fitness and aquatics, family recreation, health and wellness support, and community connection. Call or visit the YMCA website to confirm current program availability and financial assistance options.

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The City of Joplin: A Community Partner of the Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties

The City of Joplin, located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, has always been known for its strong sense of community and resilience. Over the years, the city has faced various challenges, but its commitment to supporting its residents has never wavered. One of the most significant testaments to this commitment is the city’s partnership with the Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties.

The Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties is a dedicated organization that aims to address homelessness in the region. Their mission is not only to provide immediate shelter and relief to those without homes but also to find long-term solutions to prevent homelessness. The coalition believes in a holistic approach, addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as unemployment, mental health issues, and addiction.

The City of Joplin, recognizing the importance of this mission, has become a community partner of the coalition. This partnership signifies a shared vision between the city and the coalition to ensure that

The partnership between the City of Joplin and the Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties is a shining example of how communities can come together to address pressing issues. Through their combined efforts, they hope to reduce, if not eliminate, homelessness in the region. By working hand in hand, they are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Joplin and the surrounding counties.

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Joplin City WIC connects eligible pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and young children with nutrition support through the local health department. WIC can help families access healthy food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals, and public health resources. Call the Joplin Health Department to confirm WIC appointments and eligibility.

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Parents as Teachers supports families with young children through home visiting, parent-child interaction guidance, development-centered parenting, family well-being support, and group connection activities. The model helps caregivers identify family strengths, set goals, and understand child development so children can be healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

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Joplin Public Library provides free and low-cost public access to information, technology, and community services. Library services include public computers and internet, library cards, meeting rooms, reference services, homebound delivery, passports, makerspace resources, tours and class visits, and access to community outreach events.

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Located in Joplin, Missouri, Joplin Schools serves more than 7,600 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. We also offer adult education and lifelong learning opportunities through Franklin Technology Center.

Joplin Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students. We offer diverse and exciting educational opportunities to ensure that students obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to be successful in school and in life. Joplin Schools also prides itself in providing a strong sense of community.

Joplin parents, teachers, administrators, the Board of Education, and community members partner together to support Joplin students and to make their success possible.

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Neighborhood Life House serves the northwest Joplin area through mentoring, education, and physical and spiritual partnership. The organization works with neighbors to build community strength, support families and youth, and connect people to encouragement and opportunity in one of Joplin’s historic neighborhoods.

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Rapha International works to end the trafficking and sexual abuse of children. In Joplin, Rapha provides mental health counseling, community education, and support through the Hope and Healing Center. Rapha’s broader survivor-care work includes safety, healing, education, and social work supports for children and families impacted by trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States supports families with seriously ill or injured children by helping them stay close to medical care and each other. Services may include lodging, family support, and practical assistance connected to pediatric healthcare needs. Families should contact the organization directly to confirm eligibility, referral requirements, and current availability.

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The Alliance of Southwest Missouri supports children, families, and communities through prevention, education, resource navigation, and family-focused programs. Its online resource guide is also a local reference point for food, clothing, housing, rent, utility, healthcare, and family services across the region.

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Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri is a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center serving children and families after suspected abuse or trauma. Core services include forensic interviews, sexual assault forensic exams and child-at-risk exams, trauma-focused therapy, family advocacy, child abuse prevention training, and multidisciplinary coordination with community professionals.

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Missouri Department of Social Services connects families to public benefit programs, child care assistance, child welfare resources, and family support services. Families seeking child care help may be referred to Child Care Aware for child care search and referral support and to DSS Family Support Division resources for eligibility and applications.

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FosterAdopt Connect offers free services and support for families, youth, and caregivers. From the Joplin office, programs help keep children out of foster care when safe, support foster families caring for youth removed from their homes, provide clothing and food to families, assist youth aging out of foster care, and connect families with practical resources.

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Fostering Hope supports the local foster care community by serving children in care, foster families, relative and kinship homes, and agency workers. Programs include Caring Closet locations with clothing, shoes, toiletries, toys, and bedding; freezer meals for new placements; birthday cards and books; foster parent encouragement; Christmas of Hope gifts; and support for agency workers.

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Head Start and Early Head Start through Economic Security Corporation support positive child and family outcomes for pregnant mothers and children from birth to age 5. Local resources identify application access through ESC and Joplin-area Head Start locations, including North Joplin and South Joplin centers. Services can include early learning, home visiting, Pre-K childcare, family engagement, and school-readiness support.

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Jasper County CASA recruits, trains, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who advocate for children in foster care in Jasper County. CASA volunteers spend time with children, gather information, and advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and in the community.

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Missouri Children’s Division is the state child welfare agency supporting child safety, foster care, adoption, guardianship, and family-centered services. Jasper County families may contact DSS resources for child safety concerns, foster care and adoption questions, child abuse and neglect reporting pathways, and family support services.

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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a volunteer, faith-based neighbor-assistance network. Local Joplin resource lists identify assistance with housing, utilities, meals, transportation, and prescription needs, with availability dependent on local conference resources. Call before travel to confirm open hours, screening steps, funding availability, and documentation needs.

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St. Peter’s Outreach House provides food and clothing assistance in Joplin. Local school/community resource lists identify hot lunch service on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the last two Sundays of the month from 11 AM to 1 PM, and other resource listings identify food pantry and clothing support. Call to confirm the current meal schedule, pantry access, and location details before travel.

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Vita Nova Village is a Joplin nonprofit developing a tiny-home transitional housing community for people experiencing homelessness. The model provides individuals with a private living space while assisting with employment, targeted education, healthy relationships, vocational tools, and a path toward housing stability and a productive, meaningful life.

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God’s Resort is a Christ-centered, relationship-based transitional housing community for people seeking support, stability, and healthy community. The program provides clean, safe, affordable housing, personalized stability planning, and relationship-based events that help residents grow. The Well at God’s Resort provides a long-term discipleship ministry for women, many with histories of substance use, trauma, or homelessness.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper and Newton Counties supports the healthy development of area youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships. The organization matches children and young people with screened adult volunteer mentors who provide positive adult contact, encouragement, and long-term support.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Missouri provides a safe, supportive environment where children and teens can learn, grow, and build confidence after school and during the summer. Programs include education, leadership, arts, health and wellness, workforce readiness, recreation, meals, snacks, and summer programming.

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Bright Futures Joplin works to remove barriers to student success by connecting students with school supplies, clothing, food, mentoring programs, and other supports. The program helps schools and community partners respond quickly to student needs so children can stay engaged and ready to learn.

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Camp Childress, also known as Frank Childress Reserve, offers campground and retreat facilities for youth-serving organizations, families, and community groups. The camp has options for camp experiences, family reunions, quiet weekend getaways, and group reservations. It is most relevant to the resource guide as a youth and community program space rather than an emergency service.

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Child Care Aware of Missouri helps families find child care and understand child care resources. Services include child care referral, information about child care subsidy assistance, child development resources, mental health resources, crisis and homelessness resources, and state assistance program information. Families can use the online search or call for referral help.

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Mercy behavioral health services support adults, seniors, adolescents, and children through education, counseling, and treatment. Services can include anxiety disorder care, mood disorder care, addiction and substance-use services, pediatric behavioral health, and inpatient mental health care depending on location and referral needs.

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H.O.U.S.E., Inc. provides structured housing and recovery-oriented support near Joplin for people working to rebuild their lives after substance-use challenges. The organization describes itself as serving chronic and habitual alcoholics and addicts through a sober/clean living program with admission requirements, residences, education opportunities, veterans services, and a recovery-focused program model. Call admissions to confirm openings, intake requirements, fees, and referral steps.

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Lazarus Ministries is listed in local Jasper County resource materials as a faith-based residential recovery housing option for men. The listing identifies Kerry Allen as a contact and describes the resource as residential recovery housing. Because current online details are limited, people should call to verify availability, eligibility, fees, program expectations, and whether referrals are required.

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Restored Ministries is a Joplin-area nonprofit recovery ministry. Public posts describe free supper, fellowship, praise, and recovery support opportunities, and identify the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Because details appear to be shared mainly through social media, people should contact the ministry directly to confirm current meeting times, meal availability, and recovery-support options.

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Starting Point Outpatient Inc provides substance-use recovery services with a focus on removing barriers related to cost. Clients receive encouragement, education, employment services and training, peer recovery support, counseling, alumni services, and healthy recovery activities. The organization also offers adolescent and family services and is certified through the Missouri Department of Mental and Behavioral Health and Federal US Courts.

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StreetSafe is listed as a harm reduction resource connected with overdose prevention. Available web information points to naloxone access for organizations and individuals, overdose-prevention education, and harm-reduction support. Because local details may change, verify directly before referring someone for supplies or services.

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The ROCC, Recovery Outreach Community Center, connects people in recovery with peer support, recovery community, healthy activities, and supportive services. It is part of the local recovery network connected to Starting Point and Ascent Recovery Residences.

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The Well is a faith-based women’s ministry in Joplin operated as part of the God’s Resort transitional housing community. The program supports women seeking a fresh start after addiction, trauma, homelessness, or difficult circumstances through a structured residential environment, spiritual mentorship, accountability, community, and practical steps toward employment, education, and stable housing.

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Minnie Hackney Community Service Center is a long-standing Joplin nonprofit dedicated to service, education, advocacy, and inspiration. Recent community reporting describes the center as a communal resource space for people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, or other hardship, connecting guests to local resources and offering meals, harm reduction services, laundry, showers, and temporary warming or cooling shelter during extreme weather.

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Washington Hope Center is listed in local Jasper County resource materials as a faith-based residential shelter for homeless women and children. Other local references connect the center with Watered Gardens and support for mothers with children. Because public details are limited, people should call Watered Gardens or the referring agency to confirm current intake, eligibility, bed availability, and referral requirements.

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Mission Joplin, also listed as Mission Joplin-Forest Park, provides practical emergency assistance when resources are available. Local resource listings identify support for food, clothing, rental assistance, utility assistance, financial assistance, and non-narcotic prescription assistance. The food pantry has been listed as operating Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM; call before travel to confirm current hours and funding availability.

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We Care of the Four States is listed as a Joplin-area food pantry and basic-needs resource. Resource listings identify food pantry, prepared meal, and clothing assistance, with local food-resource lists also noting food assistance at the Newman Road location. Call ahead to confirm registration requirements, distribution hours, and current availability.

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The Salvation Army of Jasper and Newton County meets human needs through practical community services. Local support includes hot breakfast and lunch on weekdays, prescription assistance, emergency and work clothing, utility shut-off assistance, and rental eviction prevention.

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The Next Step Joplin encourages, educates, and empowers individuals in need to take the next step toward a stable and healthy life. The organization provides a local access point for people seeking practical support, connection, and guidance toward greater stability.

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Ozark Center is Freeman Health System’s behavioral healthcare provider for adults, children, and families. Services include individual, group, and family counseling, psychiatric services and medication management, residential care, acute inpatient care, 24-hour crisis services, and in-home support. Ozark Center also provides substance use treatment through New Directions, including detoxification, outpatient care, partial hospitalization or day treatment, and short-term residential treatment.

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Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri provides housing and family support services for people experiencing hardship. In the Joplin resource guide, the organization is connected with housing assistance, utility assistance, and rapid rehousing work.

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Housing Authority of Joplin provides public housing and rental assistance resources for eligible residents. The agency helps connect households to affordable housing options, public housing information, and rental assistance program details. People seeking help should contact the housing authority directly to ask about eligibility, waiting lists, documents, and current application availability.

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Restoration Life Center is a faith-based organization in Neosho where people who are homeless or hurting can receive physical and spiritual support. The center operates an emergency shelter that provides a clean, safe place to sleep and a family store that offers clothing, shoes, bedding, housewares, hygiene supplies, and other essentials.

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Ascent Recovery Residences provides sustained recovery management in a faith-based environment for young men. The program focuses on integrity, self-discipline, work ethic, respect, interpersonal skills, vocational skills, and practical support for long-term recovery and productive community life.

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BHG Joplin Treatment Center provides outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder. Services include methadone treatment, buprenorphine treatment including Suboxone, individual and group counseling, comprehensive support, peer recovery support, and intensive outpatient programming.

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Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system serving the Joplin area. Freeman includes hospitals in Joplin, urgent care clinics, physician clinics, specialty services, and Ozark Center behavioral health services. Freeman contact resources include hospital access, urgent care, mental and behavioral health, and 24-hour crisis hotline numbers.

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Mercy Hospital Joplin is a hospital and emergency room located at 100 Mercy Way in Joplin. The hospital connects patients to emergency care, hospital services, featured specialty services, visitor information, and other Mercy care resources.

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Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area is a community action agency and key partner for The Homeless Coalition. ESC supports housing stability, coordinated entry, utility and emergency assistance, community development, and financial stability programs across the region.

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Lafayette House provides services for people and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, residential and outpatient substance use treatment, children’s services, advocacy, help with protective orders, transitional housing, community education, and a 24-hour crisis line.

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Soul’s Harbor serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness through transitional housing, emergency shelter, and practical support. The organization also operates a warming center during extreme cold, helps guests connect with identification documents, coordinates transportation support when appropriate, connects people to recovery services, and offers a free store and pantry with clothing, food, hygiene supplies, and emergency items.

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ACCESS Family Care Medical & Dental Clinics serve southwest Missouri residents with primary medical care, general dentistry, behavioral health, pharmacy services, obstetrics and gynecology care, and chronic disease treatment. The clinic receives Health and Human Services funding and has Federal Public Health Service deemed status.

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The Joplin Health Department provides local public health services for Joplin residents. Services include public health information, immunizations for children and adults, WIC access through the city health department, and connection to Missouri public health resources such as vital records, communicable disease information, and prevention programs.

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Joplin Public Transportation includes the Sunshine Lamp Trolley and MAPS paratransit services. The Sunshine Lamp Trolley provides deviated fixed-route transportation within Joplin, and MAPS paratransit supports riders who need accessible scheduled transportation. Routes connect residents to medical care, grocery stores, work, public services, and other daily needs.

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The Carthage Crisis Center is a homeless mission serving men, women, children, and families. The center provides emergency shelter and longer-term housing support while helping guests work toward stability through structure, accountability, and practical support. The shelter has beds for women, men, and family rooms so households in crisis can have a safer place to regroup.

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Children’s Haven provides a safe temporary home and nurturing care to children ages 0-17, along with case management for families during a crisis. Care is available every day of the year and supports families facing housing instability, lack of food or utilities, family stress, hospitalization, treatment needs, domestic violence, death in the family, or parent-child conflict.

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Watered Gardens Ministries serves the Church in its mission to help the poor. Located in Joplin, Missouri, Watered Gardens walks alongside individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness, helping them move toward stability, purpose, and independence.

Through its Outreach Center, a transitional shelter, Watered Gardens provides opportunities for partnerships for meals, groceries, clothing, household items, hygiene, and other basic needs. The Outreach Center offers safe shelter for men and women who are working to set goals, build healthy relationships, and take steps toward a more stable future.

At the Washington Family Hope Center, mothers and their children find a place of peace, safety, and stability. The facility provides apartment-style housing for up to 15 family units, offering an environment where families can grow, heal, and prepare for long-term success.

Watered Gardens is committed to treating every person with dignity and respect. Staff and volunteers work to understand each individual’s unique circumstances while encouraging personal responsibility, growth, and meaningful community connection. Through the Forge Program for men, participants develop character, work ethic, and life skills that help them become contributing members of their families and communities.

Community involvement is essential to the ministry’s success. Churches, businesses, organizations, and volunteers partner with Watered Gardens through prayer, service, donations, and advocacy, helping create opportunities for lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

Through Christ-centered relationships, practical support, and opportunities for growth, Watered Gardens seeks to restore hope, cultivate courage, and help people move toward lasting freedom from poverty and homelessness.

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Crosslines Ministries of the Joplin Area operates a food pantry and emergency assistance ministry for people and families experiencing hardship. The organization helps households access food and practical support during times of financial or personal crisis.

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Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri provides comprehensive care for adults, including general medical care, specialty support such as pulmonology, cardiology, and gynecological care, adult dental evaluation and extractions, and adult counseling services. Services are appointment based and focused on compassionate whole-person care.

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Legal Aid of Western Missouri provides free civil legal services for eligible low-income individuals and families. Services may include help with housing, benefits, consumer issues, family safety, and other civil legal needs.