Our Mission

  .......to provide time, space and resources in a supportive environment for homeless persons seeking to move toward independent living.

Organization Profile

reStart  grew out of the dream of individuals from the interfaith community who wanted to help the homeless by doing more than provide food and temporary housing.  In 1983, an emergency shelter was opened in the basement of Grand Avenue Temple United Methodist Church in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and programs were established to help people overcome their difficulties and get back on their feet.

    In July, 1985, a facility at 1026 Forest in Kansas City was acquired by the reStart Corporation and after renovation, transitional living for 50 individuals was made available.  The Marilyn Taylor Family Center was added in 1987, providing transitional living for 5 families.  In 1991, the former Our Lady of Mercy Nursing Home was purchased at 918 East 9th Street in Kansas City, and today this building is the mainstay of reStart Housing and Offices.  The shelter continues to grow as additional space is acquired to provide housing and programs for over 2,000 homeless people each year.