The City Council Committee in Kansas City, Missouri, took a significant step forward on Wednesday by passing a resolution for a new Request for Proposal (RFP) for a low barrier homeless shelter.
The full city council will vote on the resolution.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Mayor Quinton Lucas emphasized the significance of a low barrier, stating that it implies that anyone can easily enter.
Resolution 240415 cancels RFP EV3180, which uses HOME American Rescue Plan Program funds (HOME-ARP) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to cover the costs of local homeless reduction plans.
Resolution 240415 was passed, resulting in the cancellation of Resolution 240046, which aimed to allocate $7,137,610 in funding to Hope Faith’s Homeless Assistance Campus. The funding was intended for the establishment of a non-congregate, low-barrier shelter facility, utilizing HOME ARP funds that were previously allocated.
Hope Faith representatives, employees, and supporters eagerly attended Wednesday’s committee meeting, filled with optimism that Resolution 240046 would be successfully passed.
“I’ve experienced nights under the open sky, even losing my wedding rings in my slumber,” shared Gloria Moody, a formerly homeless individual who now serves at Hope Faith. “Homelessness is not a choice, and unfortunately, in many parts of Kansas City, there are limited options for women seeking shelter and a place to rest.”
Moody revealed that she has been experiencing homelessness for a period of three years.
Ned Namauu was also present at the meeting held on Wednesday.
Namauu expresses gratitude for the assistance he has received from Hope Faith over the past eight years. As an individual with a felony on his criminal record, he acknowledges the support he has received from the organization.
Namauu shared her experience of facing rejection when she attempted to secure housing due to her background. According to her, seeking assistance is crucial if one aims to improve their standard of living.
According to Hope Faith, they submitted their initial application for the low barrier shelter during the summer of 2023.
They believe that the intentional delay in obtaining approval.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Mayor Lucas acknowledged the concerns raised by the attendees regarding the length of the approval process. However, he assured them that this is the standard procedure and emphasized the importance of following the necessary steps for approval.
Faith leaders are not pleased with the current situation.
Doug Langner, Executive Director of Hope Faith, expressed his disappointment at the prospect of re-opening the same thing.
During the public comment period, Langer and other supporters of Hope Faith took the opportunity to voice their opinions.
A low barrier shelter, as defined by Langner, is a safe haven for individuals to seek refuge without posing a risk to themselves or others.
According to him, individuals will not be required to pray or pay in order to stay. Furthermore, he emphasized that people of any gender will be warmly welcomed.
No breathalyzer or similar tests would be necessary for entry into the program.
During the meeting, Jim Ferraro, a resident of the Columbus Park neighborhood, also expressed his agreement regarding the necessity of a low barrier shelter in Kansas City.
Ferraro and other residents of the neighborhood are advocating for the establishment of multiple shelters in different areas to meet the needs of diverse populations, such as the elderly or LGBTQ communities.
Ferraro emphasized the importance of offering multiple shelters to cater to the diverse needs of the homeless population. According to Ferraro, homelessness is not a choice, and there is a significant lack of options, particularly for women seeking a safe place to sleep in many parts of Kansas City.
Under the new resolution, every group, including Hope Faith, has a 30-day window to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) in order to be eligible for federal funding.
According to Mayor Lucas, he believes that there is still a need for swift action and a sense of urgency when it comes to investing in low barrier shelter and housing. He expects the city council to back this investment in a timely manner to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to comprehensive services throughout the summer and especially as winter approaches.
According to Langner, we cannot afford to waste any time.
According to Langner, our city has consistently ranked as the worst in the country for housing the chronically homeless for several years. One of the main contributing factors to this issue is the absence of a low barrier shelter.
Chronic homelessness, as defined by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, refers to a situation where individuals have experienced homelessness for a year or more, or have repeatedly faced homelessness, while simultaneously battling a disabling condition such as a serious mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical disability.
