May: From the Desk of Stephanie Boyer, CEO of reStart

A Decade of Hope: Project Homeless Connect KC ​

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From the moment Mayor Quinton Lucas presented a proclamation recognizing this milestone, and the founding volunteers, Katherine Carttar, Emma Brooke, and Sarah Fustine, for their dedication over the last 10 years.  The day was marked by energy, compassion, and community in action. His words echoed what so many of us know to be true—when Kansas City comes together with purpose and heart, we create powerful change. 

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Over 400 of our neighbors experiencing homelessness walked through the doors that day and left with more than just services. They left with dignity, connection, and renewed hope. 

Thanks to over 30 dedicated community partners, PHCKC offered a one-stop hub of care and compassion: 

• 155 guests connected to housing resources 

• 96 began the process of obtaining vital identification 

• 87 took the first steps toward better health 

• 82 received vision screenings 

• 79 accessed much-needed dental services 

• 77 received legal support 

• And hundreds more were uplifted through showers, haircuts, hygiene care, portraits, and even pet services. 

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Each person was paired with a compassionate volunteer navigator who offered not just directions, but encouragement, presence, and dignity. Throughout the day, guests stopped me to share how seen and valued they felt. That is the spirit of PHCKC. And to those volunteer navigators, you made that magic happen. 

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We are especially grateful to partners like Swope Health, Concorde Career College, KC Free Eye Clinic, Harvesters, Heart to Heart International, Church of the Resurrection, KC Municipal Court, and dozens of other service providers. You brought your time, talent, and heart to serve, and our community is better because of you. 

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PHCKC is more than an event- it’s a movement. It’s a declaration that everyone deserves access to basic services. That no one should feel invisible. That homelessness is not hopelessness. 

As we look ahead, we are more motivated than ever to keep showing up every day for the people we serve. Because housing is just the beginning. Community is what creates lasting change. 

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So, Kansas City, here’s how you can keep the momentum going: 

• Become a monthly donor and provide consistent support to our residents. 

• Volunteer your time and talents throughout the year. 

• Spread the word that homelessness is solvable—and together, we can do it. 

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Let’s keep building a city where everyone belongs and everyone has a chance to start again. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. You are the heart of reStart. 

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With gratitude, 

Stephanie Boyer 
CEO, reStart, Inc.