Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Men 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.

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.

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.

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.