New Grant Launches to Support Kansas City Entrepreneurs with Growth Resources
Funding for agencies helping homeless
Kansas City is offering new grant opportunities aimed at empowering service providers that support unhoused individuals, especially those from specialized populations who face additional barriers to access overnight shelter. This initiative is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness through Zero KC, the City’s strategic plan to end homelessness.
In Kansas City, we believe that solving Homelessness requires investment, and we will continue to invest in solutions that lead the region in responding to the critical needs of our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
What is Zero KC?
Zero KC is Kansas City’s framework for ending homelessness, driven by the Office of Unhoused Solutions (OUS). As part of the national Built for Zero initiative, Kansas City is one of many communities collaborating to reach “functional zero,” where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Zero KC is focused on long-term solutions that stabilize the housing crisis.
Through Zero KC, the City of Kansas City partners with agencies to offer both immediate shelter options and programs that focus on long-term housing solutions. To achieve this, the City is calling on local service providers to expand their efforts and apply for grants that will enable them to deliver specialized, low-barrier services for people who may have been traditionally underserved in existing shelter systems.
Support for Service Providers: What Does Success Look Like?
“We’re focusing on what service providers need to be successful in serving our most vulnerable populations,” said Josh Henges, Kansas City’s Houseless Prevention Coordinator. “It’s not just about opening more shelters but making sure the right types of shelter and support are available to meet the unique needs of our homeless community.”
The City is specifically looking for proposals that aim to:
Expand specialized services for groups who face additional barriers to housing, including those with mental health needs, substance use disorders, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others with low-barrier access requirements.
Promote innovation in how services are delivered, making it easier for people to access the help they need without unnecessary obstacles.
Foster collaboration among agencies to create a more connected and responsive support network.
The City invites agencies, nonprofits, and other service providers to apply for these grants and collaborate on building a system that ensures all Kansas Citians, regardless of their circumstances, have access to safe and dignified shelter. These grants are a critical part of Kansas City’s mission to make meaningful progress in reducing homelessness and supporting long-term housing stability.
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