Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Kansas City Missouri

Homelessness is a persistent and complex problem in Kansas City, Missouri, as it is in many American cities. When traditional shelters are full or inaccessible, one short-term solution the city has implemented is the use of hotel vouchers: paying for hotel or motel rooms for homeless people. These vouchers provide immediate security, dignity, and a pathway to more stable housing.

Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Kansas City?

Several Kansas City organizations offer hotel vouchers depending on fund availability and the season. The main agencies and their services are listed below.

1. The Salvation Army of Kansas City

The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of emergency shelter assistance. While they operate shelters, they also offer hotel vouchers when beds are unavailable, especially during the winter or in heat emergencies. They provide assistance with emergency hotel stays, crisis support, food and clothing, case management for long-term stability, and more.

You must call or visit a local Salvation Army office. Hotel vouchers are awarded after an evaluation and are not guaranteed.

2. United Way of Greater Kansas City (Dial 211)

The United Way does not provide vouchers directly, but it connects callers with agencies that have vouchers available. They will help you find available programs, as well as links to shelters, churches, and crisis teams.

Calling 211 is the fastest way to find out which Kansas City agency has hotel vouchers available on a given day.

3. ReStart Inc.

ReStart is one of the leading providers of services for the homeless in Kansas City. It specializes in temporary and transitional housing. Families in need can obtain emergency shelter, hotel vouchers during peak periods, rapid rehousing for long-term stability, and other services. They provide assistance to individuals, families, youth, and veterans.

4. City Union Mission

City Union Mission is one of the leading homeless assistance organizations in Kansas City. While they operate large shelters, they can provide hotel accommodations in cases of extreme weather emergencies. They offer one-on-one support services, shelter placement, and, on occasion, hotel accommodations when beds are unavailable.

5. Catholic Charities of Kansas City – St. Joseph

Catholic Charities offers crisis assistance, including temporary housing, depending on fund availability. The nearest Catholic Charities organization can help with hotel vouchers during emergencies, assistance with rent and utilities, and homelessness prevention programs. You must complete an intake process to determine your eligibility.

6. Domestic Violence Support Centers

For survivors who need immediate, private, and safe housing, domestic violence shelters and helplines often provide hotel vouchers.

You can contact the nearest Rose Brooks Center, Hope House, or the Kansas City Domestic Violence Hotline. Survivors receive a confidential and prompt placement to ensure their safety.

7. Kansas City Coordinated Entry System

This process, managed by social service agencies, uses a standardized assessment to determine the best housing solution for individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds are used to help prevent homelessness and rehouse individuals and families.

Shelters for the Homeless in Extreme Weather

1. Community LINC

A provider of transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. The organization’s goal is to help families achieve stable housing and lasting independence.

Address: 4012 Troost Ave #1N, Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: 816-531-372

2. Shelter KC

A Kansas City-based rescue mission that provides emergency overnight shelter for single men.

Address: 1520 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-421-7643

3. True Light Family Resource Center

Offers a day shelter for women and an emergency overnight shelter during the winter months, from November to March.

Address: 717 E 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: 816-994-5400

4. Twenty Four Seven Prayer

Offers emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.

24-hour crisis helpline: 816-861-6100

5. PRIDE Haven KC

It offers shelter to homeless LGBTQ+ young adults (ages 18-24).

Address: 3109 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64109
Phone: 816-931-0602

6. Hope Faith – Homeless Assistance Center

A day center that offers overnight shelter during the winter for everyone, from December to February.

Address: 705 Virginia Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-4673

7. Unity Southeast in Kansas City

A shelter for homeless people during extreme weather conditions. The shelter operates from December 1 to March 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Phone: 816-841-1402

How to Qualify for a Hotel Voucher in Kansas City

Each agency has its own requirements, but you are more likely to qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You are homeless and have no safe place to stay.
• You have dependent children.
• You are fleeing domestic violence.
• You were recently evicted.
• You have a medical condition.
• You are experiencing the elements during extreme weather conditions.

You will need to provide basic information:

• Name
• Age
• Number of people in your household
• Reason for needing emergency shelter
• Proof of crisis situation (if available).

Remember that these vouchers are limited and issued based on urgency.

How to Apply for a Hotel Voucher

1. Start by calling 211 (United Way of Greater Kansas City)

Dial 211 from any phone. This hotline is the fastest way to find out which organizations have hotel vouchers available. Funds change daily, so 211 provides real-time information.

2. Contact local shelters directly

Many Kansas City shelters offer hotel vouchers only when their beds are full. This is called an emergency voucher. Some available shelters include:

• City Union Mission
• Salvation Army Kansas City
• ReStart Inc.

When shelters are full, staff can arrange a hotel stay for one or more nights, especially during extreme cold, heat alerts, winter storms, security issues, and family emergencies.

Call early, as vouchers are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Apply Through Kansas City Charities and Nonprofits

Some charities offer hotel vouchers when funds are available. For example, Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, and Community Action Agencies. Call or visit them directly and request an emergency assistance assessment.

4. Get help through domestic violence hotlines (if you are not safe)

If you are fleeing domestic violence, the fastest way to get a hotel voucher is to contact a confidential hotline.

These lines often place victims in hotels immediately for their safety.

5. Visit a local church that offers emergency assistance

Some Kansas City churches offer limited hotel vouchers during emergencies or when shelters are full. They generally require an in-person meeting or a 211 referral.

6. Provide the required information

When requesting a hotel voucher, be prepared to answer basic questions. Agencies use this information to assess the urgency of your situation.

You may be asked:

• Why you need emergency shelter
• If you are fleeing danger
• How many nights you need
• If you have children or medical needs
• Where you last stayed

If you have documents such as eviction notices or police records, bring them, but they are not required.

7. Complete an Initial Screening

Most agencies require a brief initial interview, either by phone or in person. This helps them determine which program is the best fit for your situation.

During the initial screening, you may be connected with:

• Case Managers
• Shelter Staff
• Housing Resources
• Social Service Teams

Upon approval, the agency will issue the voucher directly to a partner hotel.

Conclusion

Hotel vouchers for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Kansas City, Missouri, provide short-term security during critical times. While funding varies, agencies such as the Salvation Army, ReStart, Catholic Charities, City Union Mission, and domestic violence services can provide emergency housing when no other options exist.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, start by calling 211 to find the fastest way to get help.