The purpose of this post is to address the recent increase in media dialogue, discussion on the talk radio circuit and articles in the paper about homelessness in the Kansas City area. The focus of these discussions has been on outreach providers and the various opinions that surround “why” outreach organizations feed the homeless. The Northeast community, specifically Kessler Park was identified as an area of concern due to the size of the homeless camp. The size of the camp at Kessler Park resulted in trash, concerns with small scale drug production and infringement on the people who chose the park for its intent: recreational purposes. Although Uplift did not serve Kessler Park and the camp that was shut down, the event speaks to general concerns that outreach programs are contributors to the homeless not accessing local supports to combat their needs. (i.e. shelters, social service providers, case management, etc…) Uplift staff evaluates our operations and the locations we serve in the community weekly. We work to be respectful of the larger community that we serve in and mindful of the potential footprint we leave.
Uplift has been invited along with other outreach providers, social service agencies and the community to address the KCPD and Mayor’s Office’s concerns. It is Uplift’s hope that this statement will provide clarity and insight to the work we do and the individuals we serve. For the past 22 years Uplift has provided mobile outreach services in the Greater Kansas City Metro area. We have been blessed to have done so uninterrupted and without Local, State or Federal funds. We rely on the generosity of the many surrounding communities for financial support, food, clothing and other tangible goods that we deliver on a weekly basis. Uplift’s purpose is simple; we work to deliver Care and Compassion to the homeless. We do so by meeting people’s basic human needs, one person at a time. We believe serving a hot meal conveys there is a group of dedicated individuals who care about their well being, without placing judgment or blame. While providing food, drink and miscellaneous supplies we are extending compassion and building relationships. Our volunteers acknowledge the many barriers that exist to those who are working to make changes in their lives. Often times persistent mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, lack of job skills and training, personal loss and trauma are factors that have lead to their homelessness. So often the support systems needed to overcome these barriers do not exist in the capacity needed. We work to be the face of Care and Compassion to those experiencing homelessness.
Our leadership team looks forward to participating in more discussion in the coming week as additional meetings take place. We anticipate gaining clarification, insight and understanding into the direction the KCPD and Mayor’s office intends to take the discussion.
We appreciate you taking the time to explore our site and learn about what we do. It would be our hope to have your support. Please know this can be felt in a variety of ways;
- Schedule to join us for a night on the trucks. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator Jo Bustamante. Her information can be found on our website.
- Attend a clean up day on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9 – 11 (no appointment necessary, large groups are encouraged to call in advance)
- Schedule to cook a meal. Contact Margo Yerk. Her information can be found on our website.
- Lead a collection through your church or school. Phone to discuss this option with Kathy Dean, our VP of Internal Operations.
- Make a donation. You can do so via PayPal account on our website or by P.O. Box.
- Write us a note of support via our website or Facebook Page. We’d love to hear from you.
For those who have made the choice to support Uplift in any capacity we extend a sincere Thank You!
Respectfully,
Joe Kordalski
President, Uplift Inc.
