AKA:
VAC
Description:
Voluntary Action Center (VAC) is a local nonprofit responding to the immediate basic needs of individuals and families within our Boone County, Missouri, community.
Services include Food Pantries, Formula/Baby Food, Rent Payment Assistance, Air Conditioners, Fans, Cleaning Products, Clothing Vouchers, Diapers, Work Clothing, Personal/Grooming Supplies, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Gas Money, Food Handling Permits, Birth Certificate Fee Payment Assistance, Driver License Fee Payment Assistance, Identification Card Fee Payment Assistance, School Supplies, Child Passenger Safety Seats, Glasses/Contact Lenses, Prescription Expense Assistance, and Holiday Adoption Programs.
Hours:
Guaranteed Phone Hours
- Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00 - 4:00pm.
Open for Lobby Walk-Ins (first come, first served):
- Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Intake Process:
Provide name, birthdate, and Social Security number for everyone living in the household.
Eligibility:
To qualify for services, recipients:
- Must be a Boone County resident,
- Gross monthly income for everyone living together as a household must be within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, AND
- Provide name, birthdate, and Social Security number for everyone living in the household.
Handicap Accessible?
Yes
Is Shelter?
No
Related Resource
Date of Official Change:
July 21, 2026
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers
https://www.vacmo.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Holiday Program Volunteer
https://www.vacmo.org/resource-center/programs/holiday/volunteer-information/
Employer ID:
237120750
Year Incorporated:
1969
Address Listings
Physical (Primary)
1300 Bowling Street
Columbia, MO 65201
Contacts
Phone Numbers
Main
(573) 874-2273
Fax
(573) 874-9172
Legal Status:
Non-Profit
Services
Click here to show all service details. Or click on a service name to see its details specifically.
Description
New, more efficient window air conditioner units are available to those who qualify, in exchange for an older, less efficient, and/or broken unit.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Call at beginning of May to schedule appointment.
Required Documents
Most recent Boone Electric or City of Columbia Water & Light electricity statement. Please call your electricity provider to request your most recent electricity statement be faxed (573-874-9172) or emailed (services@vacmo.org) to VAC.
Eligibility
- Must be a current Columbia Water and Light or Boone Electric customer - Must have an older, less efficient, and/or broken window air conditioning unit to exchange - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Provides minor car repair (for example, brakes or a tire), maintenance (for example, an oil change), or part assistance for employed individuals with a valid driver's license. Does not include cosmetic/bodywork (for example, paint or dents), tags, or inspection.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
Must fax, email, or bring in a physical estimate before work is performed or parts are purchased.
Eligibility
- Must be employed full-time, part-time, or temporarily (employment will be verified) - Must have a valid physical driver's license - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Fee payment assistance for Missouri birth certificates only.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
- Proof of Identification - Call For Details
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Description
VAC screens for eligibility and then appointments are scheduled to receive car seats and booster seats through Safe Kids Columbia. One seat per child per lifetime, and two seats per family per lifetime.
Availability
- Service can be provided over the phone.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Infant or child must live in the household requesting the service. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Household cleaning supplies are provided in an assembled pack.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Referrals to The Wardrobe in Columbia, Missouri for gently-used clothing. A referral includes every individual living in the household.
Availability
- Service can be provided over the phone.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Description
Provides diapers, Pull-Ups, and baby wipes. Overnights may be available.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Infant or child receiving the service must live in the household. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Fee payment assistance for a government-issued driver's license. Also includes learner's permits and commercial driver's licenses (CDL).
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
Please contact the Columbia License Office at (573) 474-4700 for the documentation required for a new, renewal, or replacement driver's license. VAC assists with the fee payment only.
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Description
New box fans are provided.
Availability
- Typically available from May through August. Call each year for program details or visit www.vacmo.org
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Must have a physical address to qualify for a fan. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Provides fee payment assistance for food handler card required for new employment.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Eligibility
- Must have new employment. - Must require a food handler card. - Before first paycheck only. - Must show proof of passing online exam score. - Be employed and require a food handler card. - Individuals reimbursed by their employer do not qualify. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Emergency food assistance from VAC's Food Pantry.
Availability
- Subject to service limits per household per 12-month period.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Provides baby formula assistance.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Infant receiving formula must live in the household requesting the service. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Gasoline vouchers for transportation.
Availability
- Subject to service limits and 12-month funding limits per household.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
- Must have a valid physical driver's license to show at VAC and the gas station.
Eligibility
- Must have a valid physical driver's license to show at VAC and the gas station. - For employment, health (appointments or shopping for food, household cleaning items, and/or hygiene items), or education purposes only. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Provides copayment or cash price fee assistance with eye exam and eyeglasses expenses.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
- Client must bring in an estimate or have an estimate faxed (573-874-9172) or emailed (services@vacmo.org) to VAC by the optometrist's office
Eligibility
- Health insurance is not required. - Eye care appointment must be scheduled within five business days of receiving financial assistance. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
Seasonal holiday adoption program for Boone County, Missouri families with at least one child age 18 years old or younger living in their household. If matched with a sponsor, gift distribution will take place in December. If a family receives a letter stating they were not selected/matched this year, the family may then sign up for another holiday program in Boone County, Missouri.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information - Visit www.vacmo.org for details
Eligibility
- Must have at least one child age 18 years old or younger living in your household. - Families may sign up for only one holiday gift program in Boone County, Missouri per holiday season. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- Please call or walk in the lobby during the designated Holiday Program sign-up season. - New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English (translator may be available for Spanish). If you have a caseworker who speaks your native language, please have them call VAC with you to translate your intake information and Holiday Program wish list.
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Description
Fee payment assistance for government-issued photo identification.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
Please contact the Columbia License Office (573-474-4700) for the documentation required for a new, renewal, or replacement photo identification (i.e., state ID). VAC assists with the fee payment only.
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
- Select personal hygiene items are provided in the form of an assembled pack.
Availability
- Based on availability, supplies may include toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, body wash, pads and tampons, toilet paper, flushable wipes, baby hygiene, and other hygiene items.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
- Provides assistance with prescription (Rx) medical expenses. - VAC works with select pharmacies (call for more details). - Assistance may be available, on a limited case-by-case basis, for other pharmacies with prior VAC approval.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-In Lobby Hours or Over the Phone (for Kilgore's and D&H only; VAC has a voucher faxed voucher system for payment) - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
VAC receives various rental assistance grants throughout the year.
Availability
- Funding is based on availability. - Available to individuals and families facing evictions, behind on rent/mortgage payments, and currently experiencing homelessness.
Hours
- Call 573-874-2273 and press (1) on Wednesdays to speak to a Housing Team staff member from 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon).
Eligibility
- Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Description
VAC's Back-to-School Program provides Boone County, Missouri students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade with backpacks filled with school supplies. Please visit www.vacmo.org for more details.
Availability
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Hours
Event date will take place from approximately mid-July through the end of August. Please call VAC for details each year.
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Children entering grades K-12 in Boone County, Missouri. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Special Notes/Funding
N/A
Geography Served
None
Description
Provide work uniform items and/or tools for new employment.
Hours
- Monday through Friday - 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon) and 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Walk-in Lobby - Call for information
Required Documents
No Documentation Required
Eligibility
- Must be newly employed and in need of a work uniform and/or tools. - VAC will call your supervisor or human resources to verify employment and required clothing items and/or tools for your new position. - Assistance can be provided for up to one of each item based on your available household funding. - Must be a Boone County, Missouri resident. - Federal income guidelines must apply.
Fees
No Fees
Intake Procedure
- New clients must complete intake over the phone or in person - Returning clients must complete annual recertification
Languages
English
Service Area
Boone County, Missouri
Geography Served
- Missouri
- Boone County
- Columbia
- Boone County
If a location is grayed out it means that only certain areas within it are covered. The areas with complete coverage are listed in black.
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