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More Than Answers—A Path Forward

Whether you’re looking for shelter, exploring volunteer opportunities, considering a donation, or simply wanting to learn more about homelessness, we’re here to provide answers.

Below you’ll find responses to some of the questions we hear most often about Shelter KC, our programs, and the people we serve. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is happy to help.

Check Out Our FAQs

Your questions matter. We’re here with answers.

Every question is important because every person and every situation is unique. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking for ways to get involved, we’re glad you’re here.

Questions about homelessness

Engage with the realities of homelessness in our community and how you can help.
Learn about homelessness

Questions about supporting our mission

Explore ways to donate, volunteer, or partner with our ministry, and learn more about how our funding is used.
How to Support Us

Questions about our shelter and services

Discover who is eligible for our programs how to access emergency shelter or recovery resources.

How to Get Help

Frequently Asked Questions

About Homelessness

At Shelter KC, we believe every question is an opportunity to offer hope.

If you need immediate assistance, have questions about our programs, or want to connect with a member of our team, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to serving every individual with compassion, dignity, and the love of Christ.

    Questions? Contact us
    What causes homelessness?

    Homelessness can result from a variety of factors, including:

    • Economic hardship: Loss of a job, insufficient income, or unexpected expenses can lead to homelessness.
    • Lack of affordable housing: Many people are unable to find housing they can afford, forcing them into shelters or onto the streets.
    • Health issues: Mental health challenges, addiction, or untreated physical health problems can contribute to a person’s inability to maintain stable housing.
    • Family breakdown: Domestic violence, family conflict, or divorce can force individuals, especially women and children, into homelessness.
    Who experiences homelessness?

    Homelessness affects a wide range of people, including men, women, children, families, and veterans. In Kansas City:

    • 30% of the homeless population consists of families with children.
    • 20% are veterans, many of whom face mental health issues or disabilities.
    • Homelessness disproportionately affects people of color and those with disabilities.
    How long do people typically remain homeless?
    The length of time someone experiences homelessness can vary greatly. Some people are homeless for only a short period while transitioning between jobs or housing, while others experience chronic homelessness, which can last for years due to ongoing barriers like mental illness, addiction, or lack of affordable housing.
    What is the difference between chronic and temporary homelessness?
    Chronic homelessness refers to individuals who have been homeless for an extended period (usually a year or longer) and often have disabling conditions such as mental illness or substance abuse issues.

    Temporary homelessness is often due to a sudden loss of income, housing, or other temporary setbacks. Most individuals in this situation are able to secure housing again relatively quickly with the right support.

    How does homelessness affect mental and physical health?

    People experiencing homelessness face a higher risk of health problems due to:

    • Exposure to extreme weather, which can lead to illnesses such as frostbite, hypothermia, or heatstroke.
    • Limited access to healthcare, leading to untreated medical conditions.
    • Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which can be both a cause and a result of homelessness.

    Additionally, individuals experiencing homelessness may have higher rates of substance use as a coping mechanism for the hardships they face.

    How can I help someone experiencing homelessness?
    When encountering a homeless person, your response can make a significant difference in their day, offering both dignity and compassion. Here are some steps you can take:

    1. Acknowledge Them with Respect

    • Greet them kindly: A simple “Hello” or “How are you?” can go a long way. Many people experiencing homelessness feel invisible, and acknowledging them as a person shows you see their humanity.
    • Smile and make eye contact if you feel comfortable doing so. It’s a small act of kindness that can brighten someone’s day.

    2. Listen if They Want to Talk

    • If the person is open to conversation, listen without judgment. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to. You don’t need to solve their problems but offering a listening ear can be comforting.

    3. Offer Help if You Can

    • Ask if they need anything: You can ask if they are looking for food, water, or other immediate needs. If you feel safe and comfortable, offer them something tangible like a meal, water, or clothing.
    • Avoid giving cash: Instead, you can offer alternatives like a snack, gift cards, or directions to local shelters or services that can help.

    4. Direct Them to Resources

    • Share information about local shelters and services: If you know of nearby shelters, soup kitchens, or outreach programs like Shelter KC, offer that information. Some people might not know where they can get help.
    • Keep a list of local resources in your phone or printed out in case you encounter someone in need.

    5. Safety First

    • If the person seems aggressive or if you feel unsafe, it’s okay to maintain distance and seek help. You can call non-emergency services to connect them with professionals who can provide support.

    6. Pray for Them

    • If you feel led and it’s appropriate to the moment, you might ask if they would like you to pray for them. Some people appreciate this gesture of spiritual care.

    7. Be Mindful of Boundaries

    • Some individuals may not want assistance, and that’s okay. Respect their space and boundaries, while still showing kindness.
    Ending homeless requires a multifaceted approach, including:
    • Affordable housing: Expanding access to low-cost housing options is crucial.
    • Support services: Mental health care, addition treatment, and job training programs are key to helping people regain stability.
    • Community involvement: Churches, non-profits, and individuals can all play a part in offering support and resources.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Donating to Shelter KC

    Here you’ll find responses to some of the questions we hear most often about Shelter KC, our programs, and the people we serve. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.

    Questions? Contact us
    How can I donate clothes or other items?

    Donations can be brought to 1520 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64108, Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM. If you need to arrange a drop-off time outside of these hours, please contact our Development Team at (816) 421-7643. Please note that we are closed Sunday mornings.

    When you arrive, pull into the gated parking lot and knock on the Visitor’s Entrance door. A staff member from our Guest Services team will assist you with unloading your vehicle and provide a donation receipt.

    Please visit our Immediate Needs page to avoid donating items we cannot use.

    Where should I take donations for the Women's Center?

    Please bring all donations to 1520 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64108, Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM. If you need to arrange a drop-off time outside of these hours, please contact our Development Team at (816) 421-7643. Please note that we are closed Sunday mornings.

    When dropping off, please let the assisting staff know that your donation is for the Women’s Center, and we’ll ensure it gets delivered to the right location.

    Can I purchase items off of your Amazon Wishlist?

    Yes! In fact, we encourage it! It will save you time and it helps us better serve those in need! You can find our Amazon Wishlist here or on our Immediate Needs page and have it shipped to us at Shelter KC, 1520 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64108.

    Thank you for your generosity!

    What is your physical address for mailing donations?
    Shelter KC
    1520 Cherry Street
    Kansas City, MO, 64108
    Do you take off-season clothing?
    Currently, we can only accept in-season clothing due to lack of storage. See our immediate needs page for more details. 
    Do you take Bible donations?
    Yes, we always receive Bible donations, even if there’s a name engraved on the cover.
    How much does it cost to feed someone?
    We’ve calculated that it costs us $2.07 per person to provide a meal and compassionate care to those we serve. We appreciate any and all donations!
    Where does your funding come from?
    As a Christ-centered organization, we receive no government funding. We run on the generosity of people and families like you, churches, and foundations. While in-kind donations help us reduce purchase costs, financial donations are critical to the continuation of our services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Our Shelter Services

    At Shelter KC, we believe every question is an opportunity to offer hope.

    If you need immediate assistance, have questions about our programs, or want to connect with a member of our team, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to serving every individual with compassion, dignity, and the love of Christ.

    Questions? Contact us
    Is my family member or loved one staying there?
    At Shelter KC, we cannot confirm or deny whether a family member or a loved one is a client. However, if you provide a name and a message, we will notify our team and make an effort to pass it along.
    Do you have a shelter for women and children?

    Shelter KC does not have facilities for children. We offer emergency services and residential recovery programs for men, as well as residential recovery for single women who are not caring for children.

    For emergency shelter for families, contact the Hotline for the Homeless at (816) 474-4599. Transitional housing programs for families are available through Hillcrest Transitional Housing. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call 911 or the Domestic Violence Hotline at (816) 861-6100 immediately.

    Do you have any programs for men who are working, yet homeless?
    Yes! Shelter KC offers an innovative program for men called “Shelter Launch” for working men who are temporarily homeless. Learn more about this on our Men’s Center page under Services.
    Do you have any openings?
    Shelter KC takes in new shelter guests from 9am to noon and 1pm to 3pm, 7 days a week.  Current guests check in daily from 3pm to 4:30pm.

    For the Men’s Center recovery program, contact (816) 421-7643 for information.

    For the Women’s Center services, please call (816) 348-3287 to inquire about enrollment and screening.

    Do you take anyone?

    Our services and programs are available to any individual, 18 or older, regardless of race, religion, gender, lifestyle or creed. In order to stay with us, guests must pass a breathalyzer test.

    For the safety of guests, volunteers and staff, guests must be willing to receive a pat-down for weapons or contraband, and they must agree to follow a strict code of conduct. For our men’s recovery and women’s recovery programs, guests must agree to written conditions prior to admittance.

    Do you charge money?
    Individuals are invited to stay at our emergency overnight shelter free of charge. Those who commit to a case management plan or recovery program create a basic budget with an affordable program fee. This encourages them to invest in their progress, helps them save for the future, and qualifies them for a housing and utilities scholarship upon successful completion of the program.
    I need emergency help right now. What should I do?
    If you’re in physical danger, please call 911.
    To learn more about the services available at Shelter KC, please call us at (816) 421-7643.
    How many beds are in your homeless shelter?

    We have a 60-bed bunk room at our Men’s Center emergency shelter.

    Our Women’s Center provides only long-term residential recovery services at this time.

    Is it true you have to attend chapel to stay?
    Shelter KC provides a nightly chapel for men staying in our overnight shelter. It is a mandatory part of our hospitality services because we believe real hope and lasting help is found in Jesus Christ. Residents in our long term programs both at our Women’s Center and Men’s Center participate in daily Bible study and weekly chapels.

    "My stay here has helped me grow both spiritually and mentally and has given me the opportunity to become part of the team."

    Resident testimonial

    "I have been here 11 months, completed the program as far as classes for the most part and am seeking employment. This has been a life changing experience for me and I'm excited to continue to grow."

    Resident testimonial