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Seg. 1: Helping The Homeless | Seg. 2: Essential Workers In Pandemic

Chelsea Engstrom
/
KCUR 89.3
When the COVID-19 crisis hit, the housing and support organization reStart, at 918 E. 9th St. in Kansas City, Missouri, was in the middle of plans to shrink the number of beds available for adults experiencing homelessness.

Segment 1: How the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the least fortunate among us.

One advocate for people experiencing homelessness says that population is always in crisis. When you add a worldwide pandemic to the mix, the stakes are even higher for them and the organizations that work to provide them the resources to survive.

Segment 2, beginning at 33:00: Many grocery store clerks, plumbers and laundromat attendants are reporting to work like normal.

What or who qualifies as an essential business or worker? The question is gaining new importance as states, counties and cities throughout the metro consider how to enforce stay-at-home orders and stemming the spread of COVID-19.

KCUR wants to hear stories of what’s helping you get through these tough times.

We want to hear what’s helping you get through these tough times. Whether it’s a random act of kindness or a personal ritual, let us know. Leave a voicemail at 816-398-8207 ‬with your brief story, name, and where you live. You can also email a voice memo to KCUR producer Mackenzie Martin at mackenzie@kcur.org.
 

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.