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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that cities can punish people for sleeping in public areas, and while Kansas City does not have a “no camping” ordinance in place, some residents fear the decision could spark local backlash against homeless people.
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Three years after federal aid was earmarked to ensure homeless students get an education, millions of dollars remain unspent in the Midwest and around the country. In September, what’s left of the one-time funding will be returned to the U.S. Treasury.
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The influx of soccer fans to Kansas City is expected to hike prices for short-term rentals, possibly pushing up rents and making permanent housing less affordable. But if Kansas City officials use the opportunity to invest in affordable housing, experts see a chance for long-term benefits.
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A bill in the Kansas Legislature would have provided millions of dollars to build homeless shelters across the state — except lawmakers let it die in committee. Plus: Could manufactured housing like mobile homes help solve the affordability crisis?
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Johnson County is planning to build a homeless shelter and service center in a repurposed Lenexa hotel. Kansas City-based nonprofit reStart, which would run the facility, told commissioners that it would need funding help from the county and cities.
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The decision could have an impact on Missouri, where the GOP-led legislature in 2022 passed a law banning sleeping on public land. Critics said the Missouri law essentially criminalized homelessness, although it was later overturned on a technicality.
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Unhoused residents in Kansas City are at risk due to the extreme heat sweeping across the region. Street outreach teams from local nonprofit reStart are working to provide emergency supplies and shelter from the heat.
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Advocates say that Kansas City won't be able to end chronic homelessness without a low-barrier shelter — a place without religious teachings, that doesn’t require guests first to take job training or get sober. But after pushback from the neighborhood, Kansas City Council is starting from square one.
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The American Rescue Plan funds for students experiencing homelessness must be budgeted by September — so three legislative interns spent this session helping get the word out.
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Missouri Republicans could play a key role in legalizing abortion later this year. Even though many GOP voters don't agree with their party on abortion rights, they may still support other candidates on the ballot. Plus: Adopted from an orphanage in Russia, Anna McCune is pouring her heart into making sure Kansas City's kids don’t experience what she did growing up.
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Kansas City was set to approve using federal dollars to expand Hope Faith into the city's first year-round low barrier homeless shelter. After months of complaints from residents, the city is restarting the application process.
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Amy Frey relied on nonprofits for shelter during her family’s months-long bout of homelessness, but the organizations are vastly overwhelmed by the amount of need in the region.