Here’s how you can help your unhoused neighbors in Kansas City this winter
As the extreme weather rolls into the Kansas City metro area, local organizations and city officials are amping up services and collecting donations for people experiencing houselessness this winter.
“Last winter we had so many wonderful people donate large amounts of blankets and clothes like boots, gloves and socks,” 5th District Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw said in a statement. “With the season of giving starting again, we want people to have an easy way to help, knowing that the donations will go directly to help those who are unhoused.”
Organizations across Kansas City are accepting donations in one location to make it easier to donate. For those interested in donating or contributing to efforts to keep those without houses safe and warm, check out this round-up of needed supplies and ways to donate.
How to support
As a part of the extreme weather plan, the city is partnering with the City Union Mission to collect and store donated supplies.
“We are now blessed to be providing space for storage of emergency supplies for the street homeless, as part of the city’s Extreme Weather Initiative,” City Union Mission CEO Terry Megli said in a statement.
Donated supplies can be dropped off at: 1700 East 8th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The mission is accepting a range of newly purchased goods including:
New thermal tops and bottoms
New sweatshirts and sweatpants
New socks
New shoes/boots
New face coverings
New scarves
Hand and food warmers
New sleeping bags, blankets and mylar blankets.
Like new or gently used tents, coats, stacking hats and gloves.
Do not donate food, water, furniture or dirty items.
In addition to supporting the city’s centralized donation drive, Creative Innovative Entrepreneurs created an Amazon wishlist to further help streamline the donation process.
Other ways to give
Many shelters are also accepting direct donations and volunteers.
The Kansas City Rescue Mission (Shelter KC), which provides emergency shelter for men, is currently offering additional services to protect the unhoused from the harsh winter weather.
According to Executive Director Eric Berger, immediate needs include monetary donations, canned foods, hats and gloves. Donations can be dropped off at 1520 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.
Berger said that ShelterKC is also accepting volunteers to help serve meals, sort clothes, mentor and tutor guests at the shelter and help with basic housekeeping. To learn more about how to volunteer click here.
In Kansas City, Kansas, the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams center is also providing extra services to help those trying to stay warm this winter. As a domestic violence shelter, the center often relies on hotels to shelter its survivors and welcomes cash donations, said Friends of Yates Executive Director Arica Roland.
For those who want to support, the center is accepting monetary donations, as well as Uber gift cards and toiletry items. To learn more about how to give please call 913-321-1566.