Uptown businesses and churches founded the Urban Ministry Center in 1995, to be an interfaith organization offering love, compassion, and practical help to the poor, homeless and others in need. Located in the old Seaboard Train Depot, the Center served 16,000 persons in its first nine years. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church opened a soup kitchen in 1979, eventually moving it into the Center where volunteers prepare and serve a nutritious noon meal 365 days a year. PUMC volunteers have been active in this ministry since its inception. A daily worship service and a daily Narcotics Anonymous support group are offered. The Center provides facilities for neighbors to wash clothing and take showers, and oversees arrangements for neighbors to receive mail. Van transportation is available two mornings per week. Counseling is provided for those seeking employment, housing, food, and basic health advice. Enrichment programming has led to creative expression through development of writing and painting skills, including an extensive outdoor mural. The Center originated the Room in the Inn program, which, because of the depth of PUMC involvement, is described on a separate page in this handbook. Increasing numbers of needy folks forced the Center to turn away neighbors, thereby prompting its leadership to plan for a new facility. A large two-story main building has been built and opened on property adjacent to the converted train depot, which is used only for special programming.

PUMC History