Want to help out your local Kansas City shelter during the winter storm? Here’s how
Extreme weather is expected to roll into town just as the year comes to a close. To combat the cold, cities and other agencies are making sure those in need have access to warming centers, shelters and other resources.
If you’re interested in helping people in need during this time many local area shelters and organizations are accepting donations and volunteers.
Kansas City’s extreme weather plan will be in place until the end of February and will include coordinating more than 150 extra shelter beds, free warming buses with social workers on board who can help connect folks to shelter and anything else they might need. There will also be an effort to offer free transportation to and from local shelters.
Shelters that are included in Kansas City’s plan include Hope Faith, True Light, ReStart, City Union, and Shelter KC. Many are also accepting donations.
People who want to donate directly can drop off or send financial donations to 705 Virginia Ave. on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is also an Amazon Wishlist that people can purchase items from.
“We’re an emergency warming center,” Hope Faith’s Executive Director Doug Langner told The Star. “So even if we don’t have enough bed space, we’re going to make sure to do our best to keep as many people out of the cold as possible.”
People can also donate to True Light by visiting here. If you want to contribute to ReStart, which is a nonprofit organization that offers services to individuals, families and youth experiencing homelessness, you can visit here or mail a financial donation to 918 E. 9th St., Kansas City, MO 64106. You can also contribute to ReStart’s Amazon Wishlists.
City Union Mission serves local men, women and children in Kansas City who are experiencing homelessness or are looking to rebuild their lives. People can donate to the mission by visiting here. People can also sign up to volunteer. Volunteers help with prepping the kitchen, sorting through clothes donations and even offer some professional services. To learn more about opportunities to volunteer, visit here.
Shelter KC is also accepting help from the community. The local rescue mission currently has a goal of creating 600 care packages for those in need. Basic self care items like body wash, deodorant , hats, gloves, razors and shaving cream can be dropped off at 1520 Cherry St. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Shelter KC also has a list of items that are of immediate needs at their shelter. Check out that list here. Other financial contributions can be made by visiting here.
Folks in Kansas City, Kansas can also help out by volunteering with local warming centers. Please reach out to them directly to find out more on how to be helpful during this time.
Those warming centers include:
West Wyandotte Library
1737 N. 82nd St, KCK
913-295-8250
Open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open Friday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Eisenhower Community Center
2901 N. 72nd St, KCK
913-596-7050
Open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Turner Community Library
831 S. 55th St, KCK
913-295-8250
Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Kensington Community Center
2900 State Ave, KCK
913-551-0407
Open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Sunday
South Branch KCK Library
3104 Strong Ave, KCK
913-295-8250
Open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Joe. E. Amayo Argentine Community Center
2810 Metropolitan Ave, KCK
Open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Bethany Community Center
1120 Central Ave, KCK
913-551-0400
Open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Beatrice L. Lee Community Center
1210 N 10th St, KCK
913-551-0438
Open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Sunday
To see a full list of warming centers in Wyandotte County, visit here.
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 5:13 PM.