Veterans Coming Home Center
A Division of New Life Evangelistic Center
Humble Beginnings
In 1972 Larry Rice began New Life Evangelistic Center by doing homeless street outreach. Their mission was quite simple; spread the Gospel while serving those most in need. The ministry started in a mobile van but quickly grew to something above and beyond human expectations. Many people received Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Larry Rice is boldly paving the way for other ministries to serve the homeless. Our ministry is an example of steadfast activism and service to the homeless men and women in Missouri. When all other ministries can't assist, New Life Evangelistic Center steps in to help. NLEC purchased 1411 Locust in downtown St. Louis which became their headquarters and television station. For decades NLEC has been the forefront activist for homeless rights in the state of Missouri.
NLEC has consistently been pushing legislators to help the homeless in several different locations throughout Missouri. The ministry has been doing this only through the constant grace and mercy by God our Father. NLEC celebrated their 47th year of ministry in 2019. They continue to make a massive impact on the lives of thousands. Currently NLEC reaches the homeless on the streets of St. Louis, Springfield, Marshfield, New Bloomfield and Potosi. They provide vital resources for those cast out by society. Continued prayers for this ministry are greatly appreciated as we keep reaching the lost and forgotten.
Our Mission
The mission of New Life Evangelistic Center (NLEC) is to provide Christian hospitality and respect for life through the services of food, clothing, shelter, education, and job training programs, as well as physical, mental and spiritual health care, to the poor and homeless in Saint Louis and beyond.
Our Core Values
New Life Evangelistic Center has founded its values on the love of Jesus Christ for all people, and especially for all who suffer from poverty, homelessness, addictions and abuse. NLEC holds the following values in highest regard: empathy, advocacy, empowerment, dignity, responsibility, faith, hope and love.
More Than A Day Shelter
On August 11, 2008 NLEC opened the doors of the Veterans Coming Home Center. Originally, our mission was to serve homeless Veterans in the city of Springfield, MO. A fierce battle ensued between Larry Rice and city officials as he fought to open an overnight shelter at 806 North Jefferson. The city never conceded and continued to push back at the ministry making it difficult for them to serve the homeless. The Veterans Coming Home Center became the largest and only day shelter in the city of Springfield. NLEC saw the immense need to open the doors to both Veterans and Civilians. Currently we provide much needed services to anywhere between 150 to 250 people a day. As a division of NLEC we continue the work of the ministry here in Springfield. Please continue to pray for the Veterans Coming Home Center as we change lives through the power of the Holy Spirit and support from devout Christians in our community.
NLEC Adult Living and Training Program
One major difference between NLEC and other non-profits is our adult living and training program. We strive to provide Christian hospitality while providing on the job training. Living in a community isn't always easy. Often graduates of our program walk away with much better conflict management skills. Our program offers a chance for stability in lives that are anything but stable. We welcome anyone to join our program and begin a new life as a new creation in Christ.
The NLEC Training Program is for individuals who desire to change their lives for the better by learning job skills and living in Christian Community. The training program provides in-depth training and instruction of job skills such as: computer training, reception work, renewable energy, television and radio production, hospitality, and farming and livestock care. The basis of the NLEC Training Program is founded upon: prayer, bible study, faith, hope, responsibility, and Christian Community. NLEC believes that healing is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the support of Christian Community.