© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Homeless Center Proposal Sparks Controversy

Jan Kauk advocates building a community center for Kansas City's homeless like Adam (left).
Photos by Steve Bell
Jan Kauk advocates building a community center for Kansas City's homeless like Adam (left).

By Steve Bell

Kansas City, MO – Despite programs like the Grace and Holy Trinity community kitchen, Salvation Army, Project Restart and City Union Mission, Kansas City is lagging in services to the homeless, according to nonprofit leaders. A total of 18 agencies would combine to provide comprehensive health, housing and job training services and programs to meet the daily needs of the city's homeless population. And the Parks and Recreation Department looked favorably on housing the programs in a proposed new community center in Margaret Kemp Park.
But business owners in the Kemp Park neighborhood are resisting. They say the heavy influx of homeless has brought prostitution, panhandling, drug deals and murder to their area. The business owners say they support current agencies in the neighborhood, but believe any new services should be placed elsewhere. They also contest whether the facility would actually be a "community center," and say they believe the use of park land for a training center is a violation of the city charter.

KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and award-winning podcasts.
Your donation helps keep nonprofit journalism free and available for everyone.