Community Support Through Church Volunteering

We are blessed by churches that are called to partner with us and serve Kansas City’s homeless population. There are many ways to support, including in-kind donations, volunteering your time, organizing collection drives for immediate needs, having Shelter KC speak at your church or event, and more.

Shelter KC has been serving people in need since 1950. No matter the reason, we welcome those who are poor, homeless, hungry, and hurting into our doors with open arms. The shelter provides hot meals, safe housing, clean facilities, and services to the Kansas City homeless population. Our values and beliefs align with faith-based organizations looking for serving opportunities.

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Much of our support comes from the helping hands of Christian volunteer groups like yours and for that, we are truly grateful! Your efforts will help Shelter KC in our mission to offer freedom, support, and resources to those in need, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Church Engagement Presentation

Learn more about ways your church or faith-based organization can support Shelter KC through church volunteer opportunities.

Ways to Partner with Shelter KC

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Donate

We’re grateful to receive funding from several church partners who allocate funds for Shelter KC out of their missions budgets and/or special love offerings. Additionally, several churches host collection drives to fill our immediate needs, including new clothing, food, items for shower kits, and more. We appreciate any and all gifts and put them to use - quickly!

Stoic man eats soup and looks directly forward
Volunteer

Local Christian volunteer groups enjoy coming to our facilities to serve together. Our church volunteer program could involve cooking, serving meals, cleaning, or special projects to serve our clients. Church volunteer work availability is based on our calendar of events and current needs. Contact us to schedule your church community service project with Shelter KC today.

Masked Volunteer in Shelter Kc Kitchen ladles soup
Host Events

We’re always open to partnering with churches that’d like to host events or activities for our clients. For example, one of our church partners took our Women’s Center clients kayaking and others have provided opportunities like tailgates for our men in recovery. If you have an idea in mind or a heart to serve in this way, contact us!

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Request a Speaker

Our speakers bureau includes staff, volunteers, and clients who champion the ministry and can testify to what God is doing in people’s lives here! We love sharing stories of transformation and telling about the freedom from the past and hope for the future of our client's experience. Contact us today for more information!

Homelessness Statistics

Homelessness can happen to anyone. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, an average of 1,973 people were homeless on a given night in the Kansas City, MO metro area in 2020.

In 2022, Shelter KC found 22 reasons for homelessness in Kansas City, including:

  • Loss of public assistance
  • Foreclosure
  • Natural weather disaster
  • Medical condition
  • Unemployment

Church Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about ministry volunteer opportunities at Shelter KC. Have another question not listed below? Contact us today!

What does it mean to be homeless?

Homelessness is described as a lack of permanent housing. This includes a population that shares housing due to a loss of housing, people who live in a car, motel, emergency or transitional shelter, or other temporary dwellings, and people who are awaiting placement in foster care.

Should I give money to someone experiencing homelessness?

We recommend that you do not give money - many people who are asking for money are not homeless or the gift will be used for alcohol or drugs.

What should I do when I encounter a homeless person?
  • Acknowledge them. Treat them as a human and look them in the eye.
  • Be cautious. Some people experiencing homelessness may have criminal backgrounds, mental health, or addiction issues. Use discernment.
  • Pray for them and share God's love where you can.
  • Direct them to Shelter KC or other resources.
What size group can volunteer at Shelter KC?

Church groups of between 5 and 20 people can volunteer. Click here to start the church community service today.

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