During periods of extreme cold, many of us think about the plight of those experiencing homelessness in our community. To help meet the need for shelter, the city of Kansas City, Mo. has activated its Zero KC Extreme Weather Plan, which provides up to 931 emergency shelter beds across eight locations. These additional beds are first-come, first-serve and are funded by city and community partners and are made available during periods of extreme cold.
Hope Faith Homeless Assistance Campus is one of United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Impact 100 partners providing those shelter beds. It is also working to alleviate homelessness and poverty year-round, by providing basic necessities and help for those currently experiencing homelessness, as well as at-risk individuals to help them become self-sufficient and independent.
The organization shared this impact story about the impact that happens when those supports are provided to community members in need.
Victoria’s journey into homelessness began after her husband passed away. Following his death, she lost their home and began sleeping at a fast-food restaurant that was open 24/7. She felt safe, and staff could keep an eye on her. But it wasn’t a long-term solution. Hope Faith became Victoria’s refuge.
Last winter, she began visiting the shelter for warmth and support. She utilized all of Hope Faith’s daytime services, including showers, meals, and clothing assistance. Because of the Cold Weather Shelter program at Hope Faith and partnering agencies, she was also able to find safety.
She said, “Because of you, I’m going to keep going.”
And that’s what she did. Thanks to outreach efforts, Hope Faith’s assistance, and her determination, Victoria is now in stable housing. She has an apartment in downtown Kansas City, where she is able to sleep soundly in a warm bed, leaving her nights in a tent or a fast-food booth far behind. With her kitchen, she enjoys preparing meals and is thankful to be able to take refreshing, hot showers daily.
Hope Faith staff had the opportunity to visit Victoria at her new home and with tears in her eyes, she expressed her gratitude saying, “I will never forget the care I received at Hope Faith when I was at my very lowest point.”
In 2025, United Way’s 211 helpline responded to 869 calls from individuals seeking daytime and overnight warming shelters. 211 is our 24/7 resource referral service, providing connections to more than 7,000 local resources. It’s free, confidential, and available in 150 languages simply by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211KC.org.
It’s thanks to generous support from people like you that United Way and its partners are able to provide a path to financial security and stability for neighbors like Victoria. Give to ensure we can continue to provide this vital support.