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Julia Williams
Editor-in-Chief
In the heart of the Paseo West neighborhood includes a Christian Ministry campus, which has served its mission to empower and provide assistance to unhoused individuals within Kansas City for two-decades.
Hope Faith Ministries, Inc. (705 Virginia Ave), has provided year-round day-time shelter for individuals needing a safe place since it opened its doors in 2004.
While this organization originally began in Westport, operating as a “neighbor to neighbor program,” according to its website, it has since expanded to assist a wide-range of individuals across the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
In addition to its day-time services from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., this is the third year Hope Faith has offered a 90-day winter, overnight, low barrier shelter — allowing this organization to provide additional resources from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Dec. 1 through Feb. 29 (or 28).
With the inclusion of showers, which are offered during day-time services, overnight hours offer hot meals, cots and a safe warm place to rest for those in need, according to Emily Reeves — Hope Faith overnight shelter manager.
However, this 90-day overnight shelter, which has seen operation in previous years, is a separate service from the “365 Low Barrier Overnight Shelter,” which was proposed and went before Kansas City, City Council for approval Aug. 13.
This would allow for the expansion of Hope Faith’s winter shelter, providing year-round operations, address and assist unhoused populations in its current facility, Reeves said in her speech in support of this proposal.
While the initial proposal for an overnight, 365 low barrier shelter was approved in August by City Council, additional information is currently unknown and Reeves mentioned it was still in negotiations.
In the 2023-24 season, Hope Faith provided overnight shelter and filled beds for 11,445 individuals — ranging from 18 to 77 years old — throughout its 90 days of operation, according to Reeves.
While Reeves said Hope Faith staff will conclude shelter set up the last week of November, preparations are already underway to ensure a successful winter season.
In previously years, local coffee shops have provided pastries, neighbors have offered soup and volunteers have reached out to help.
“Handing out blankets is the most important,” Reeves said. “It could be the first bit of kindness [someone] receives all day.”
While volunteer staff ranges from neighborhood residents to Kansas City University students, Reeves emphasized community and Hope Faith’s open-door policy.
“The people who come to Hope Faith are our neighbors, I know their name, I know their stories — they’re your neighbors too,” Reeves said in an interview.
Hope Faith accepts donations, which go toward its winter and day shelter services: https://hopefaith.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation.
In addition to dollars, the shelter also accepts clothing and personal item goods. Some great in-kind donation options include belts, hand warmers and cough drops. Amazon wish lists created by staff and volunteers are available at: https://www.hopefaith.org/needed-items.
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