This Kansas City shelter will launch its winter shelter Sunday amid freezing temperatures

A winter shelter for the unhoused is set to open its doors Sunday evening in Kansas City.

The nonprofit homeless assistance organization Hope Faith announced the launch Sunday morning, citing freezing temperatures that could threaten the safety of homeless residents.

“We will not stand idly by while members of our community suffer in the cold,” Doug Langner, executive director of Hope Faith, said in a release.

Located at 705 Virginia Ave., the shelter will open at 6 p.m. and provide essential services including hot meals, beds, and a supportive environment for those seeking safety.

Hope Faith’s shelter is part of the city’s third annual winter low-barrier shelter plan announced by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in September. The initiative provides up to 400 beds across eight locations in the metro from December through March.

The number of available beds vary depending on outside temperatures. On nights where temperatures are above 26 degrees, 245 beds will be available. When temperatures fall between 1 and 25 degrees, 55 beds will be added, and an additional 100 will be added when temperatures sink to zero or below.

Hope Faith leaders said they continue to forge partnerships and work on initiatives to provide emergency shelter and permanent housing solutions as well as support services as they negotiate a proposal for a permanent low-barrier shelter with the city.

“We call on community members, local businesses, and organizations to join us in this urgent mission. Your contributions of clothing, blankets, and volunteer services are vital for the success of both the Winter Shelter and our long-term programs,” Langner said in the release. “Together, we will create a city where everyone has a safe place to call home.”

Information about Hope Faith’s services and how to contribute can be found on its website or by calling 816-471-HOPE.