Homelessness In Kansas City

Homelessness is a significant challenge in both Kansas Cities, driven by factors like poverty, lack of affordable housing, and limited access to support services. While KCMO has a larger homeless population (1,746 individuals counted in 2024) than KCK (285 individuals), both cities face similar underlying issues.

With your help, we can provide the homeless in Kansas City with some protection so they can sleep safely at night and find a safer place to sleep so they don’t have to sleep on the streets.

Housing and Rental Costs Skyrocket

Kansas City, Missouri - Reports a median listing price of $259,900 in October 2024 and a median sold home price of $297,500 (Realtor.com)

Kansas City, Kansas - Reports a median listing price of $225,000 in October 2024 and a median sold home price of $254,000. (Realtor.com)

As of November 2024, Zillow reports a median rent of $1,375 for all property types in Kansas City, MO. (Zillow.com)

As of November 2024, Zillow reports a median rent of $1,195 for all property types in Kansas City, KS. (Zillow.com)

Kansas City Homelessness Statistics

The 2024 Point-in-Time count identified 1,746 individuals experiencing homelessness in Jackson County, which includes most of Kansas City, MO. This is likely an undercount, as it's difficult to identify everyone experiencing homelessness.

On both sides of the state line Kansas City face similar challenges related to homelessness, including a lack of affordable housing, poverty, mental health issues, and substance abuse.

While their 2024 Point-in-Time Count report doesn't explicitly state an increase in unsheltered homelessness, it does highlight that 42% of those counted were unsheltered. This is a significant portion, and it indicates a need for more focus on this vulnerable population. (GKCCEH 2024))

homelessness in Kansas City has increased by 56% since 2013 and by a staggering 168% since 2018. (Ciero Institute Report 2023)

Kansas City, Kansas faces specific challenges related to limited resources, a shortage of affordable housing, and a lack of shelter beds, especially during extreme weather. e times higher than the official PIT count. This suggests that the number of people sleeping on the streets on any given night could be significantly higher than the reported figures. (nlihc.org)

Homelessness in both Kansas Cities is a complex issue fueled by poverty, lack of affordable housing, and insufficient support services. Both cities struggle with rising unsheltered homelessness and limited resources, demanding a multi-pronged approach focused on prevention, housing, and increased support to ensure everyone has a safe and stable place to live.

Homelessness In Kansas City Can Be Caused By

Family violence

Mental health issues

Physical health issue e.g. accident at work and bills mount up

Loss of employment, under-employment or inability to gain a new job

Limited housing / rental stress

Drug and alcohol addiction (which can occur AFTER being homeless)

Traumatic Experiences

One or a combination of these factors can lead to someone becoming homeless. Sometimes homelessness can occur due to someone moving to a new area and losing their job, and not having any support to help. Other times it can be something as simple as not being able to afford housing.

Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. The tiniest life change can cause someone to lose everything they have in a blink of an eye. It's a terrible place for anyone to be in as you will never know what will happen to you on the streets.

Whatever the reason - Americans sleeping on our streets need immediate shelter to survive.

Backpack Beds SAVE LIVES

Backpack Bed for Homeless partners with homeless services across America to distribute our study proven Backpack Beds to street sleeping homeless without shelter.

We are a 501(c)3 charity that relies on the support of everyday Americans to help give back safety to people living on the streets. Your donation can help someone survive a night on the streets by protecting them from the harsh weather climates that can happen at night.