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A frequent complaint among unhoused people in Kansas City is that existing shelters may require them to participate in religious activities or part with belongings or pets. Many choose to stay on the streets instead, even in extreme weather.
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In April, Kansas City voters approved a 3% tax on recreational marijuana revenue —1% of which will go towards finding solutions for houseless population. The city's homelessness prevention coordinator shared ideas of how the funding might be used.
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Transgender people are complaining about gender discrimination within some housing shelters in St. Louis and St. Louis County. Transgender people and housing advocates say shelter staff aren’t complying with updated federal housing policies and are denying people shelter because of their gender identity.
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Nearly 50% of unhoused young people in the Kansas City metro are LGBTQ. Although the city has transitional shelters that accept young people, many of those institutions are faith-based, where queer clients may experience discrimination against their gender identity.
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About 18 million people with disabilities across the U.S. qualify for housing assistance, but do not receive any. This lack of accessible options is prevalent in Kansas City. Here is a list of local organizations that offer housing assistance to residents with disabilities.
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The Good Faith Network, an interfaith coalition of 27 local congregations and houses of worship, is seeking commitments from Johnson County Commission chair Mike Kelly to build a mental health crisis stabilization center and use of state and federal funds to address housing issues in Johnson County.
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A new clothing store in Olathe isn't your run-of-the-mill thrift shop. Angel Clothing Foundation is helping outfit individuals in need in a boutique-style setting, at no cost to the customer.
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The Veterans Community Project, located at 89th and Troost, is dedicated to moving unhoused veterans off the streets. The organization owns a village of tiny homes that houses veterans free of charge and without a deadline to move out.
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Thousands of Kansas City area students are homeless, but one local district has managed to find many families permanent housing and employment. Plus: Kansas City turned the town red during yesterday's Super Bowl parade.
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Flourish Furniture Bank started in a church basement and has since expanded to a 30,000 square foot warehouse, bursting with upcycled furnishings and home supplies. And thanks to its partnerships with Kansas City social service agencies, the shopping spree is entirely free.
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St. Louis earmarked millions from the American Rescue Plan Act for homeless services. But after two deep freezes in as many years, the city is just now planning to open a 24/7 "safe haven" shelter for those without housing.
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A fire knocked out the heat in a Northeast Kansas City apartment complex Friday, leaving residents in the cold indefinitely. The property owner, who serves on the board of a housing advocacy nonprofit, blames the issue on unhoused people breaking into the building. But the building has a history of code violations.