Kansas City, Missouri – Under its Zero KC plan, Kansas City has started a new grant application program meant to support programs for the unhoused, especially those with major obstacles to shelter access. This initiative highlights the city’s commitment to completely eliminate homelessness through focused assistance and calculated partnerships.
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Zero KC, the city’s blueprint to eradicate homelessness, operates under the national Built for Zero initiative, which aims to achieve “functional zero” homelessness — a state where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Driving the Zero KC approach, the Office of Unhoused Solutions (OUS) is collaborating with local agencies to create long-term solutions that stabilize the housing problem.
“In Kansas City, we believe that solving Homelessness requires investment, and we will continue to invest in solutions that lead the region in responding to the critical needs of our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Local service providers are invited by the grant program to expand their range of services and apply for money to support low-barrier, specialized programs for groups who have historically been underserved in current shelter systems. This covers people with mental health issues, drug use problems, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who have extra difficulties finding accommodation.
“We’re focusing on what service providers need to be successful in serving our most vulnerable populations,” said Josh Henges, Kansas City’s Houseless Prevention Coordinator. “It’s not just about opening more shelters but making sure the right types of shelter and support are available to meet the unique needs of our homeless community.”
The initiative seeks proposals that:
- Expand specialized services for groups facing extra barriers to housing.
- Promote innovative service delivery to ease access to necessary support without undue obstacles.
- Enhance collaboration among agencies to forge a more cohesive and responsive support network.
The first step towards creating a system that guarantees every Kansas City resident, regardless of their situation, can access secure and dignified shelter is the city’s request for grant applications. Kansas City’s larger goal to significantly lower homelessness and improve long-term housing stability depends heavily on these grants.
Agencies, organizations, and other service providers are encouraged to work together and apply for these funds to help to change the picture of support for the unhoused in Kansas City.
Apply for a Zero KC grant here!