|
Jackson County and Kansas City MO area – Financial Assistance Programs.
Jackson County and Kansas City residents that are struggling may get help from organizations like Catholic Charities, Bishop Sullivan Center, and the Redemptorist Social Services Center — all of which have operated in the community for decades and offer various forms of long term or emergency assistance. The organizations, and others listed below, may offer financial help with bills and basic needs, among other services.
Most emergency assistance programs require proof of income, a photo ID, and documentation of the expense you need help with — a shutoff notice, past-due bill, or eviction notice. Assistance is typically limited to one occurrence per program per year, so it is worth calling 2-1-1 first to find the best fit before applying. For homelessness and shelter, Hope Faith's Homeless Assistance Campus at 705 Virginia Ave is Kansas City's only low-barrier day center. For free civil legal help with evictions, foreclosure, or public benefits, Legal Aid of Western Missouri is the county's free legal aid firm.
Need Immediate Help or Options — Find Help Fast
- Need emergency help with rent or utilities? → Catholic Charities Welcome Center: (816) 221-4377 | Redemptorist Center: (816) 931-9942 | Bishop Sullivan Center: (816) 231-0984
- Need broad emergency help (rent + utilities + food + clothing)? → Metro Lutheran Ministry: (816) 931-0026 | Community Action Agency (CAAGKC): (816) 358-6868
- Facing eviction or homelessness? → Hope Faith day center (705 Virginia Ave): (816) 471-4673 | Salvation Army: (816) 756-1455. We also have a dedicated guide to more focused rent assistance programs in Jackson County MO that may have other options more focused on housing needs. Or the unhoused in the area can use this guide for Kansas City area shelters and transitional housing programs.
- Need emergency food now? → Bishop Sullivan Center food pantry: (816) 231-0984 | Redemptorist Center pantry: (816) 931-9942 | Harvesters pantry locator: (816) 929-3000. There is also information on our Kansas City food pantry page.
- Need free or low-cost medical/dental care? → Kansas City Free Health Clinic: (816) 753-5144 | Cabot Westside Health Center (bilingual): (816) 471-0900
- Senior (60+) needing services or information? → Area Agency on Aging: (816) 421-4980 | Redemptorist Senior Services: (816) 931-9942
- Facing foreclosure or mortgage crisis? → Catholic Charities HUD counseling: (816) 221-4377 | Legal Aid of Western Missouri: (816) 474-6750
- Latino community / bilingual services? → Guadalupe Centers (since 1919): (816) 421-1015 | Catholic Charities: (816) 221-4377
- Don't know where to start? Look into options from the Kansas City / Jackson County area United Way (website https://unitedwaygkc.org/211-2/). They are a partner of the statewide 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) — the United Way of Greater Kansas City will match you to the right local program. The service operates around the clock and can identify the most appropriate program for your specific situation and zip code.
Broad Emergency Assistance — Rent, Utilities & Crisis Help
Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph
Serving the Kansas City community since 1879, Catholic Charities helps people of all faiths and backgrounds. The Welcome Center offers limited emergency financial assistance for rent, utility bills, and basic household expenses — appointments are made by calling Monday mornings, as a limited number of households are accepted each week. Additional services include HUD-approved foreclosure and mortgage counseling, homeless prevention assistance (rent, deposit, and mortgage help), adoption services, refugee and immigration services, senior care programs, mental health ministry, and deaf and disability services. The Rockhurst office handles walk-in services generally a few days per week(816) 221-4377 | Toll-free: (888) 563-5247. Site is https://catholiccharities-kcsj.org/.
- Main Office & Serve/Lift Center: 8001 Longview Road, Kansas City, MO 64134
- Rockhurst Office: 5151 Troost Ave, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64110 — (816) 659-8222
Redemptorist Social Services Center
A nonsectarian nonprofit serving the metropolitan Kansas City area since 1986, Redemptorist Center focuses on preventing a temporary crisis from becoming a permanent tragedy. Emergency financial assistance may be available for rent, mortgage, utility bills, and some medical and dental expenses — applications are submitted online at their website before an appointment.
- The Center also operates a weekday food pantry, a Dignity Clothing Closet, free legal assistance through partnering attorneys for issues such as landlord-tenant disputes and public benefits appeals, transit bus passes, senior services, and a health maintenance program that helps clients locate and navigate community health resources. Service area covers Jackson County and the broader metro region. (816) 931-9942. 207 Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64111. View https://www.redemptoristcenter.org/.
Bishop Sullivan Center - multiple locations
Founded in 1972 as Cooperative Social Services by three Catholic parishes in northeast Kansas City, Bishop Sullivan Center has grown into one of the largest providers of emergency assistance in the metro area. Services are built around three pillars — Food, Jobs, and Aid. Emergency financial assistance may be available for rent, utility bills, and related housing expenses for low-income households in the center's service area.
- Both locations operate food pantries distributing to qualified residents; the Troost location also houses the One City Café community kitchen, open evenings for a hot meal. Additional programs include a clothing closet, employment services with one-on-one job coaching and computer lab access, a free legal clinic staffed by volunteer attorneys, and Project ElderCool, which provides window air conditioners to eligible elderly residents during summer. Kansas City's Medicine Cabinet medication assistance is also available through both sites. (816) 231-0984. One site is at Northeast KC: 6435 Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64126 while another is at Midtown (Troost): 3936 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Metro Lutheran Ministry (MLM)
Metro Lutheran Ministry has served the Kansas City region for more than five decades, helping low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people leaving incarceration regardless of religious affiliation. Emergency assistance may be available for rent and utility bills. Additional programs include food pantry services at three metro locations, a mobile produce pantry, a Saturday morning breakfast program in midtown Kansas City, a weekly sack lunch program, home-delivered meals and minor home repair for seniors, rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.
- Another service is the Financial Opportunity Center — a coordinated program offering financial coaching, career guidance, and income support services over an extended period. MLM also operates community garden beds and an urban orchard, with fresh produce available to neighbors at no cost. (816) 931-0026. 3031 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64109. View https://mlmkc.org/.
Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City (CAAGKC)
Formerly known as United Services Community Action Agency and incorporated in 1978, CAAGKC is the official Community Action Agency for Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri. Programs may include LIHEAP heating and utility assistance grants, limited emergency rent assistance when funding is available, holiday assistance programs around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and referrals to other community resources. Employment and career development services include job training, placement assistance, and job readiness skills. Transportation programs may help single parents and low-income residents with work-related transportation needs. The agency also connects residents with information on area nonprofits and government benefit programs. (816) 358-6868. 6323 Manchester Ave, Kansas City, MO 64133. See https://caagkc.org/
Della Lamb Community Services
Della Lamb has served Kansas City since the mid-20th century with a particular focus on refugee, immigrant, and low-income families. Social services may include emergency assistance for basic household needs, free food, free clothing, and referrals to other programs. The organization is also a federally authorized refugee resettlement agency and provides housing, food, clothing, employment placement, and English language education to newly arrived refugees. Additional programs include early childhood education and child care for children from six weeks through elementary age, youth services, GED programs, and seasonal assistance around back-to-school, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered for adults. (816) 842-8040. 500 Woodland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106. See https://www.dellalamb.org/.
Salvation Army — Kansas City Area
The Salvation Army operates multiple Jackson County and Kansas City locations offering a broad range of crisis services. Emergency utility and heating assistance is available through the HeatShare program during winter months. Additional services include free meals, motel vouchers for families in acute crisis, food pantry access, and holiday assistance programs — Christmas gifts for children and meals for struggling families are distributed annually. Senior transportation and self-sufficiency programs are also available, along with free school backpacks and supplies during back-to-school season. Call the main line or dial 2-1-1 for the nearest active location and current service availability. (816) 756-1455
Multiple Kansas City and Jackson County locations — call for nearest site or view the website at https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/kansascity/.
Community Assistance Council (CAC)
Founded in 1976, Community Assistance Council serves South Kansas City residents primarily in the Hickman Mills, Center, and Grandview school district areas. Note funding, in particular for rent or utilities, may greatly shift year to year. Programs have historically included emergency rent and utility assistance, a food pantry, diaper and hygiene product distribution (through HappyBottoms and Giving the Basics partnerships), a clothing closet, Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors, and case management through the Empower Program. Budgeting and life skills classes are available to clients and the broader community. (816) 763-3277. 10901 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64134. View https://communityassistancekc.org/.
REAP — Raytown Emergency Assistance Program- Raytown area of Jackson County
REAP serves residents in the Raytown area of eastern Jackson County. Programs have included a free food pantry, back-to-school supplies, and limited emergency grants for rent or heating bills when the crisis could lead to homelessness. Financial counseling and budgeting classes are required of applicants seeking cash assistance. Contact 2-1-1 for the current phone number and address.
Homelessness Focused Assistance & Housing Stability
Hope Faith — Homeless Assistance Campus
Founded in 2004, Hope Faith is Kansas City's only low-barrier Homeless Assistance Campus, serving anyone regardless of background or history. The daytime campus provides meals, showers, laundry, clothing, case management, and on-site access to medical, dental, mental health, and legal services through partnering providers. Specialty programs include HOPE CUTS (a fully licensed barbershop and salon), HOPE GROWS (urban farming with vocational training), and CLEAN UP KC (a part-time paid employment program for guests). An overnight winter shelter operates December through February. Hope Faith also functions as a central access point for referrals and transportation to other housing and shelter programs throughout the metro, making it a strong first stop for anyone without stable housing. (816) 471-4673. 705 Virginia Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106. Seehttps://www.hopefaith.org/.
Community LINC
Community LINC provides a structured pathway from homelessness to permanent, stable housing for families in Kansas City. Programs include emergency housing access, interim furnished apartments, rapid re-housing assistance, and long-term case management using a Housing First approach. Case managers work alongside families to secure permanent housing while simultaneously addressing barriers such as employment, financial literacy, and income stability. Contact through their website for current enrollment information, eligibility, and intake procedures. See website for intake https://communitylinc.org/.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - Emergency rent only
This parish offers limited emergency rent assistance when funds are available. Applicants typically need to bring a notice of eviction or documentation of late rent, a copy of their lease, and proof of income. Bus fare assistance may also be available. Contact the parish directly for current availability and to schedule an appointment. (816) 842-0416
Senior Services
Area Agency on Aging — Kansas City / MARC
The Area Agency on Aging for the Kansas City metro region coordinates a broad range of services for residents aged 60 and older. Programs may include Meals on Wheels, home care and personal care referrals, free transportation to medical appointments, Medicare counseling and enrollment assistance, information about government benefit programs, and caregiver support services. Services are designed to help seniors remain independent in their own homes. (816) 421-4980. View https://www.marc.org/aging.
Guadalupe Centers, Inc. Latino community focus
Established in 1919, Guadalupe Centers has served Kansas City's Latino community for more than a century, making it one of the longest-operating community organizations in the city. The senior program serves adults aged 60 and older and may include transportation to the congregate meal site, Meals on Wheels delivery for homebound seniors, nutrition and health education, and social activities in a bilingual environment. All services are provided in both English and Spanish. Guadalupe Centers also operates early childhood education, workforce and digital literacy training, and youth programs through its affiliated charter school system. (816) 421-1015. 1015 Avenida Cesar E Chavez, Kansas City, MO 64108. See https://guadalupecenters.org/.
Food Assistance & Hunger Relief
See also: Catholic Charities (Serve & Lift Market), Bishop Sullivan Center (both locations), Redemptorist Center, Metro Lutheran Ministry, Community Assistance Council, and Della Lamb all distribute food — see listings under Broad Emergency Assistance above.
Harvesters — The Community Food Network
Harvesters is the regional food bank supplying a broad network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs throughout the greater Kansas City area. Individuals and families do not typically receive food directly from Harvesters' main facility — instead, use the pantry locator on their website or call to find the nearest partner distribution site by zip code. Partner programs include food pantries, mobile distributions throughout Jackson County, USDA food distribution, and the BackSnack program providing weekly food bags for school-age children in need. (816) 929-3000. 3801 Topping Ave, Kansas City, MO 64129. See https://www.harvesters.org/get-help/.
Church-Based Emergency Assistance - Very Localized
Saint Thomas More
This south Kansas City parish offers emergency financial aid including free food, back-to-school supplies, and limited grants for housing or water bills when funding allows. Staff can also help residents identify and apply for government benefit programs. As with most parish-based assistance, funds are limited and subject to availability — call ahead before visiting. (816) 942-2492. 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131
Christ the King Church
This south Kansas City parish offers limited community assistance including help with utility and heating bills, a food pantry, and rent help when funding is available. Funds are limited — call ahead to confirm availability and hours before visiting.
(816) 363-4888. 8510 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.
Free & Low-Cost Health Care
Kansas City Free Health Clinic
The Kansas City Free Health Clinic has served uninsured and underinsured patients in the metropolitan area for many years, providing medical care at no cost to qualifying patients. Services include general medicine, dental care, behavioral health and mental health counseling (including telehealth options), OB/GYN and women's health, prescription assistance and medication dispensing, case management, and specialty clinics covering areas such as dermatology, optometry, chiropractic, and women's health. Screenings, testing, and CPAP machines for qualified patients may also be available. Contact the clinic for intake procedures and eligibility. (816) 753-5144. See https://kcfreeclinic.org/.
Cabot Westside Health Center Bilingual English/Spanish
Cabot Westside is the only fully bilingual, comprehensive dental and health facility in the greater Kansas City area, serving the community as a federally qualified health center. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, preventive and restorative dental care, health education, and access to prevention programs. Fees are income-based, and uninsured and underinsured patients are welcome. All services are provided in both English and Spanish. (816) 471-0900. 2121 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108. See https://www.cabothealth.org/.
Truman Medical Centers (University Health)
Truman Medical Centers, now operating as University Health, is Jackson County's primary safety-net hospital, providing care regardless of ability to pay. Services include emergency care, specialty clinics, primary care, outreach services, and care for high-risk pregnancies. The hospital is particularly recognized for trauma care, asthma and diabetes management, and women's health. Financial assistance programs and sliding-scale fees are available for qualifying patients — ask about financial counseling when scheduling or at intake. (816) 404-1000. 2301 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108. View https://www.universityhealthkc.org/.
Children's Mercy Hospital Children and adolescents only
Children's Mercy provides a full range of medical and surgical services for patients from birth through adolescence regardless of the family's ability to pay for treatment. Financial counselors are available to assist qualifying families with hospital billing. For pediatric medical needs, Children's Mercy is the regional resource regardless of insurance status. (816) 234-3000. See https://www.childrensmercy.org/.
Free Legal Aid
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Legal Aid of Western Missouri is the county's free civil legal services firm for income-qualified residents of Jackson County and surrounding areas. Services cover eviction defense and landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosure prevention and mortgage delinquency, domestic matters, public benefits appeals, and other civil legal needs. Attorneys and staff provide advice, negotiation with opposing parties, and representation in appropriate cases. Income eligibility requirements apply — call for a screening appointment. Pro bono legal clinics are also offered periodically through partner organizations including Bishop Sullivan Center and Redemptorist Center. (816) 474-6750. 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64130. See https://lawmo.org/.
Community Forum for Local Tips
In addition to the programs, and the organizations that operate them, listed above we have a moderated forum for the area. It is free to sign up for. In the Kansas City area community forum you may find other tips, suggestions and can interact with people from the area. As many people are struggling and the forum is another option for resources.
|
Need help navigating programs?