COMPASSION IMPACT CENTER

Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries (TRM), in partnership with Compassion Strategies and Impact Avenues, is launching the Compassion Impact Center at the TRM Children's Palace at 601 NW Harrison St. on April 7, 2026. This center is a central hub connecting people experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County with the services they need to achieve stable housing and long-term stability. Operated by Compassion Strategies through the Moving Ahead Partnership (MAP), the center unites dozens of agencies to reduce barriers, provide case management, connect to healthcare and workforce resources, and guide individuals and families toward permanent housing. TRM hosts the center, providing a reliable, centralized location for community collaboration. Services include intake, housing navigation, behavioral health connections, benefits assistance, hygiene support, and volunteer guidance.​

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The Compassion Impact Center is built on a collaborative, one-stop service model developed through a partnership between Compassion Strategies and United Way of Kaw Valley. Launched in November 2024, with a pilot beginning in July 2025, the model brings a wide range of service providers together under one roof, making it easier for individuals experiencing homelessness to access critical resources and navigate systems of care.

 

TRM was a founding partner in MAP, which began in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Early efforts focused on meeting unsheltered neighbors where they were through mobile services such as restrooms, and health clinics. As this work expanded and demonstrated impact, TRM remained deeply engaged and is now stepping forward to provide a permanent home for the next phase of this collaborative effort.

 

The Moving Ahead Partnership continues to grow in both scope and impact. With the recent addition of Impact Avenues to the MAP collaborative, the number of participating partner agencies has expanded to more than 60 helping organizations across Topeka and Shawnee County. Impact Avenues brings valuable family-focused stabilization services and housing expertise, strengthening MAP’s coordinated approach. This expansion reflects the growing community-wide commitment to work together through a unified system that removes barriers, accelerates housing placements, and improves long-term stability outcomes.

 

Hosting the Compassion Impact Center is a natural next step for both the All Hands on Deck Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness in Topeka/Shawnee County coalition and Topeka Rescue Mission’s longstanding mission. Since 1953, TRM has served individuals experiencing homelessness by providing food, shelter, and basic necessities while also offering hope and the opportunity for a meaningful life beyond the struggles of living on the streets. TRM believes every person is loved by God and that each day presents an opportunity to help change a life for the better. The organization remains committed to addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty through compassionate, comprehensive care. 

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