Fighting the Cold + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Photo credit: Dan Gold
The cold has hit us hard this week. As the frigid weather rolled in, most of us have been bundled up, reading the news, and worrying. We are thinking of our KC homeless community extra this week. We are also thinking of Texans as they tread through blackouts and now food + water shortages.
The stories are countless. Friends with pipes frozen. Our bestie in Austin is running low on food. One friend of The Nelle, who we pay to sweep for us occasionally, can’t get into his home because the trailer door is frozen shut. Beyonce has jumped in with Beygood + Adidas winter storm assistance. And can we add a heartwarming story? It’s courtesy of Alex Trebek, Jeopardy! Host who died of pancreatic cancer in Nov 2020. It was recently announced that his Jeopardy wardrobe was donated for job interviews to The Doe Fund, a homeless organization.
So here we go. Below are ways to help and some tips to know:
On Texas
Image credit: @veggiemijas, via @IntersectionalEnvironmentalist
As severe weather and blackouts hit much of the state, here is a recap of what’s been happening + ways to help:
A Recap, via the superb Instagram account @IntersectionalEnvironmentalist. The environmental resource hub covers social justice and the environment, and where the two intersect.
How to Help, via RollingStone. Writer Claire Shaffer gathered a helpful rundown on where to donate and how to help.
On Our KC Homeless
Image credit: Matt Collamer
One of the homeless groups we support, Community Linc, posted a helpful myth vs. fact chart on their website. They tackle a few key ideas. One is that homeless people tend to be single, mentally ill drug addicts. When actually, the national homeless population is almost 33-percent families. And 66-percent of the locals that Community LINC helps are kids! Another is that anyone can afford rent if they try. When actually!
The wage for fair-market rent is double the min. Wage
Typically, about half of low-income earners’ monthly income goes to pay rent
The wait time for subsidized housing in KC is roughly three years
On Warming Centers
Image credit: James Wainscoat
Warming centers are just what they sound like: warm shelters to temporarily help the homeless community. It’s a short-term emergency shelter specifically for times of cold weather. Our friend sent us an insanely helpful spreadsheet of local warming centers. Use and share it! Just know it’s best to call before going to confirm availability.
KCRide buses are currently free
KC StreetCar is always free
On Local Help
Image credit: Arūnas Naujokas
There are many, but here are a few to get you started:
Street Medicine KC: a local organization that gives quality holistic healthcare to the service-resistant homeless in KC. They go where the homeless are, bridging the gap between typical society and those who are alienated and excluded. ‘You have to meet the people where they are physically and mentally to get anywhere,’ says Jae Edgar Bennett, program executive director. Their immediate need: “We are in serious need of any cold weather clothing as well as gloves and hand/foot warmers!”
ScrapsKC: a local nonprofit that helps our homeless and our environment through education, outreach, and upcycling. The organization has a retail store that sells used materials insanely cheap - materials that cater to teachers, artists, and other community members. ScrapsKC also does great homeless outreach, including Saturday morning breakfasts. Their immediate need: coats and blankets
Community Linc: a local nonprofit working to end homelessness in Kansas City. They have an incredibly thorough program that includes transitional apartments, employment guidance, budgeting classes, counseling, and tailored help for children. Their immediate need: new or gently used adult winter boots and snow boots
Scott Eicke Warming Center - named in honor of a homeless man found dead from the cold on New Year’s Day, this warming center is run by the city and located at Bartle Hall convention center. Their immediate need: volunteers + sleeping bags, winter gear, wheelchairs (go here for full list)
Midwest Homeless Collective - Unhoused leaders + housed allies organizing to build collective power. The group was started with the idea that people experiencing homelessness should have a seat at the political table where decisions are made for them. Among their goals, they want more places to shower, wash clothes, use water fountains (which have largely been halted due to pandemic), and use the restroom. ‘The city bragged about them providing over 700 porta potties for the Super Bowl parade last year, but during a pandemic, they have none nowhere,’ spokesperson Qadafi told KSHB. For the current weather crisis, they have warming tents set up in Westport. Their immediate need: winter gear + donations; you can Venmo @mwhomelesscollective
On Art to Help
Our very own Abby Yemm -- Nellie, deejay, artist, and writer -- is auctioning a beautiful painting to raise funds for Midwest Homeless Collective. It’s a joyful piece in honor of the Lunar New Year’s sign of the ox this year. DM her on Instagram to bid! Bids close today at 4PM CST.
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