KANSAS CITY, Mo — As the temperature drops and winter inches closer, Shelter KC is stepping up its efforts to provide warmth, sustenance and support to an increasing number of unhoused individuals.
“Well, we all know the inflation, people are struggling right now, but then there's also people that just live on the streets because of drug and alcohol, mental health issues, and we want to be a service that provides basic human needs," said Kara Feitz, development director of Shelter KC.
Located in the heart of Kansas City, Shelter KC has been a beacon of hope for many.
"We are already doing things to prepare for cold weather. First of all, we're making sure we're stocked up on water and supplies," Feitz said.
Recently, like many shelters around the metro, Shelter KC has experienced a surge in unhoused individuals. Feitz said they are expanding their services to accommodate more individuals and families during the winter season.
"We put down mats in the chapel. Obviously, it's not ideal until a bed opens up," she said. "But we do not turn people away. We will find them a place to stay, whether that's over at City Union ... [or] a hotel. The city opens up a warming center as well for people. But we make sure that people have a place to stay.”
To meet the increased demand, Shelter KC has an emergency program that provides overnight shelter, hot meals and essential resources. In addition to their regular services, the shelter is open 24 hours a day to accommodate as many people as possible.
"We do open during the day when the temperatures get below freezing. Normally, we're not open during the day to people staying in our emergency shelter," Feitz said. "It's just for people on our recovery program. But during the day, we open up our chapel as a warming center for people that don't have anywhere to go during the day."
As Kansas City residents brace for the impending winter chill, Shelter KC said they are always accepting donations and volunteers to provide better help for those in need.
"We want to build a relationship with them, we want them to feel like humans, we give them dignity of the individual. That's one of our core values," Feitz said.
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