KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Jackson County Legislature unanimously approved a partnership Monday with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness for temporary emergency housing for COVID-19 patients.
The county will pay the nonprofit, which works with people experiencing homelessness, $450,000 to provide a safe place for residents to shelter while in quarantine.
Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. proposed such temporary housing March 23 as part of a $10 million plan called the Runions Act.
“This emergency housing will help us slow the spread of COVID-19, while also providing some of our most vulnerable population a safe place to recover,” White said Monday in a release from the county. “I am grateful for the Legislature’s continued support as well as our partnerships with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness, Salvation Army and City of Kansas City. Together, we will get through this unprecedented public health crisis and make sure no one is left behind.”
Under the agreement, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be able to stay for up to 12 weeks at the Salvation Army Kansas City Three Trails Camp, 16200 E. U.S. 40.
“Housing is voluntary and available for up to 50 individuals in Jackson County who do not have a safe location to stay during their isolation, including but not limited to, those who are housing insecure, homeless or living with high-risk persons,” according to White’s office.
Support staff will be on site to provide health care, food, security and transportation.
“GKCCEH is grateful for the support of Jackson County, the Salvation Army and countless community partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety, comfort and dignity of some of our community's most vulnerable persons,” Coalition to End Homelessness Executive Director Heather Hoffman said in a statement.
The city of Kansas City, Missouri, already is providing temporary quarantine housing at the Rodeway Inn for individuals awaiting test results.
By coordinating with the city, individuals who test positive can transfer from the motel to the Three Trails Camp.
“Protecting our most vulnerable populations is imperative as we continue working to slow the spread of COVID-19,” KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement. “Many in our community do not have the space necessary to safely quarantine in their own homes — putting their families at significant risk of also contracting this disease. I appreciate Jackson County taking this important step to provide temporary isolation housing to anyone who may need it during this difficult time.”
The county anticipates being reimbursed for the camp through the CARES Act.
