Kansas City closed a local hotel — Then, it helped over 100 people secure housing
After shutting down a south Kansas City hotel, city officials and community partners banded together to assist over 100 people in finding new accommodations.
Kansas City’s multidisciplinary public safety task force conducted an inspection of the America’s Best Value Inn, located at 11801 Blue Ridge Boulevard in the city’s Crossgates neighborhood, on Aug. 5, according to a press release from Kansas City Health Department spokesperson April Leonard.
The task force cited multiple violations at the hotel, and during follow-up inspections spanning several months and conversations with property owners, violations remained “uncorrected,” Leonard said.
The health department suspended the hotel’s lodging permit on Dec. 9, issuing guests a 48-hour notice to vacate, Leonard said. Officers with the Kansas City Police Department and area social workers were notified and called to the hotel to assist guests.
Between Dec. 11 and Dec. 15, city departments and community partners helped 105 individuals, 27 who were children, secure temporary housing, Leonard said.
Leonard said of the 105 people staying in the hotel, community partners were able to:
- Find temporary accommodations for 59 people
- Relocate 26 people to residences with family or friends
- Connect five “honorably discharged veterans” with Veterans Affairs resources, including housing and other services
- Secure shelter placements for several individuals
Additionally, Leonard said, community partners were able to provide transportation for residents and their belongings, assist with on-site mental health services and crisis intervention and distribute essential goods such as food, water and personal hygiene items.
“Protecting public safety sometimes requires enforcement, but it must always be paired with compassion,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said. “Because City departments, public safety, and community partners worked together, individuals and families were supported through a difficult transition and connected to meaningful resources.”
Operations at the hotel have been suspended, Leonard said. The city will continue to monitor the property.
