A safe, quality home with the community support to thrive is something all people deserve. But in Kansas City, that’s easier said than done. An estimated 76% of extremely low-income renters are severely cost-burdened, meaning they expend more than half of their monthly income on rent. Missouri saw the nation’s highest rent increase (over 13%) in 2024, exacerbating the affordable housing crisis for many more individuals and families.
While housing choice vouchers offer much needed support for some low-income households, many landlords are unwilling or unable to accept them. In fact, protections for tenants with vouchers enacted by the City of Kansas City in 2024 were repealed by the state legislature last year. For renters, that pushes them into even more costly living arrangements. And if/when they find an affordable unit—any sudden change in life circumstances like a job loss, healthcare diagnosis or interruption in childcare can quickly put them at risk for eviction.
So it’s not surprising the number of monthly eviction filings in Jackson County, Mo. housing court continues to climb. In 2025, an average of 650 filings were made every month.
United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 211 plays a pivotal role in supporting households facing housing challenges and potential eviction. Several categories of housing related calls and need for legal assistance related to eviction all saw significant increases last year. This includes requests for community (unhoused) shelters, transitional housing, low cost rental listings, coordinated entry (intake for permanent housing). Security deposit assistance, motel vouchers, domestic violence shelters, and housing authority help.
- Community (Unhoused) Shelter needs increased from 4735 to 4894 (3.3% increase)
- Transitional Housing needs increased from 1885 to 2118 (12.3% increase)
- Housing Related Coordinated Entry (intake for Permanent Housing programs) increased from 1240 to 1465 (18.1% increase)
- Requests for Motel Vouchers (a service not readily available in our community) increased from 1004-1201 (19.6% increase)
- Housing Authority needs (including Section 8 Voucher requests/housing subsidy inquiries) increased from 610 to 704 calls (15.4% increase)
- Legal Representation increased from 3133 to 3525 (12.5% increase)
- Landlord/Tenant Assistance (this does not include Right to Counsel) increased from 1800 to 1900 (5.55% increase)
Because of the high need and the support provided for Kansas City, Mo. city programs, including coordinated entry and the Right to Counsel program, United Way successfully secured municipal financial support. The city agreed to provide $95,000 in support to help defray the cost of 211’s role in connecting residents to legal aid and eviction prevention resources. Additionally, $912,000 in support has been provided for targeted emergency rental assistance to support low-income residents in the throes of eviction, who receive support from a Right to Counsel attorney and financial assistance, which together halt the eviction and prevent the loss of housing. For tenants that rely on a government subsidy, that makes their housing affordable, this resource has a long-lasting impact, preserving the affordability of their home for years to come.
Kansas City residents Steve & Lorie know the importance of eviction prevention support first-hand. The couple has faced an onslaught of medical challenge and nearly lost their home.
“It really takes a toll—not knowing if you’re going to be on the street or not,” Steve said.
United Way’s eviction prevention initiative stepped in, helping them secure a new apartment that is affordable on their budget, covering moving costs, rent and application fees/deposits.
“United Way was truly there for us, covering the things we couldn’t,” Steve shared. “As you get older, having that safety and security is huge.”
In 2025, United Way supported 904 households through eviction prevention work.