Kansas City Nonprofit Expands Homeless Shelter Using World Cup Guest Bookings for Funding

The Hostel KC, located at East 14th Street and Agnes Avenue in Kansas City, is gearing up to open its doors to guests attending the World Cup. This initiative is part of a fundraising effort by the Open Doors Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing low-barrier shelter options for men experiencing homelessness. The hostel aims to offer a more affordable lodging option during the World Cup, with beds in shared spaces priced at $95 per night, a rate significantly lower than many local hotels.

The funds raised from hosting World Cup guests will support the foundation’s goal of transitioning the hostel into a permanent shelter. This expansion will allow the organization to consolidate its operations under one roof, enhancing its ability to serve the community. Open Doors Foundation operates on a low-barrier model, which means it does not impose sobriety or religious requirements on those it serves. This approach is designed to meet individuals where they are, addressing the unique factors contributing to their homelessness.

Mathew Smith, the operations manager for the Open Doors Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this model in changing the landscape of homelessness solutions. According to Josh Henges, the chief impact officer of unhoused solutions for the city, addressing homelessness effectively requires low-barrier shelters as a starting point. This strategy allows for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and facilitates more targeted interventions.

Since its inception, Open Doors has assisted over 600 individuals, with approximately half transitioning towards permanent housing solutions. About 100 people have successfully found permanent housing through the foundation’s efforts. Derek Decker, the executive director of Open Doors Foundation, highlights the organization’s significant impact, having housed nearly 100 people in just 16 months. This success underscores the importance of partnerships with local entities focused on unhoused solutions.

The foundation’s work is deeply personal for Mathew Smith, who has experienced homelessness and addiction himself. His commitment to the mission is driven by a desire to guide others through similar challenges. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This biblical call to action resonates with the foundation’s mission to invest in people and community, recognizing that such investments yield the greatest returns. Organizers hope to complete the space transition by the end of July, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 12.

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