News Release KANSAS CITY, MO – Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, one of the region’s oldest and most comprehensive social service providers, announced today that it has purchased the buildings at 1121 and 1123 South 10th Street in St. Joseph, Missouri.  The buildings will be used as the service center for northwest Missouri.  The social service agency expects to move into its permanent St. Joseph home in October.
Catholic Charities has offered hope-filled social services in the St. Joseph community throughout its 136-year history, officially opening a branch office in 1979. The purchase of the downtown buildings, located across the street from the Pony Express Museum, marks the first time that Catholic Charities has owned its own building in St. Joseph.
“The purchase of these buildings cements our ties to a region we have served for so long. Catholic Charities is committed to St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri, and we are here to stay,” said CEO Deacon Dan Powers.
The buildings, purchased for $127,000, are a former UMB Bank branch and its drive-up facility. The main building offers 7,500 square foot of space, which will be remodeled with a Welcome Center, offices and classroom space. The smaller building will be used for storage and shuttle parking.
Catholic Charities provides poverty-reduction assistance to nearly 5,000 St. Joseph households every year. Services include emergency assistance, housing, workforce development, adoptions and parenting support. The agency also offers one-on-one case management for individuals, families, veterans and former offenders.  
About a dozen staff members will continue working with clients at the Catholic Charities office at 902 Edmond Street until construction at 1123 South 10th Street is completed.