May- The KC Spirit of Teamwork: What Sports Teach Us About Solving Homelessness

Kansas City loves a good team. We wear our colors proudly, paint our faces, cheer until we’re hoarse, and stand behind our teams through wins and losses.  

But what if we approached solving homelessness the same way?  

Imagine the possibilities if Kansas City united around the mission of housing the same way we unite around our teams. We already know how to collaborate, rally, and believe in the impossible. We already know how to support our community heroes and celebrate collective victories. 

At reStart, that’s the spirit we bring to our work every day. 

Homelessness is not a single-player issue—it’s a team sport.

And our roster includes: 

• Families determined to rebuild 

• Youth discovering their potential 

• Volunteers who show up again and again 

• Landlords who open doors 

• Employers who give second chances 

• Donors who believe change is possible 

• Policy makers shaping systems 

• Community partners solving problems together 

Stable housing is the foundation of strong families, thriving neighborhoods, and a stronger Kansas City. Yet today, our community faces a severe housing shortage at nearly every income level. Families are spending more of their income on housing than ever before, while affordable housing inventory continues to shrink. Thousands of households across the Kansas City region are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, leaving little for food, healthcare, childcare, or transportation. For many families, one unexpected expense or crisis can quickly lead to eviction and homelessness. 

The data is clear: communities with stable housing experience lower rates of crime, reduced emergency room utilization, improved school attendance, stronger workforce participation, and better long-term health outcomes. Children with stable housing are more likely to succeed academically and experience fewer behavioral and developmental challenges. Adults with stable housing are more likely to maintain employment, access healthcare, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.

Housing is not simply a social service issue — it is an economic, workforce, healthcare, and public safety issue. 

Investing in housing also delivers a significant return on investment for communities. Studies consistently show that supportive and affordable housing reduces costly reliance on emergency rooms, jails, crisis services, and other publicly funded systems. Every dollar invested in stable housing can save communities multiple dollars in downstream emergencies and institutional costs while increasing economic productivity, neighborhood stability, and long-term tax revenue.

Housing is one of the smartest and most impactful investments a community can make. 

Kansas City cannot solve homelessness without dramatically increasing housing production across the entire continuum — emergency shelter, supportive housing, workforce housing, and deeply affordable housing. We need housing at all price points, in every neighborhood, and we must stop creating unnecessary barriers that delay or prevent development. Lengthy zoning battles, restrictive policies, neighborhood opposition, and insufficient investment continue to slow urgently needed progress while families remain unhoused. 

The reality is simple: we are far behind in the number of housing units our community needs. This is the moment for bold action and collective urgency. As a community, we should be saying “yes” to innovative housing solutions, adaptive reuse projects, affordable housing developments, and partnerships that create pathways to stability. 

When families have a safe, stable place to call home, the entire community benefits. Stronger housing systems create stronger families — and stronger families create a stronger Kansas City. 

Right now, KC is facing a challenge bigger than any one organization can address. But the good news? 

We have the team we need—we just need more players on the field. 

This month, I’m asking every Kansas Citian to choose a position, where can you show up on the roster for a stronger Kansas City?  

Here are some ways you can join the team:  

• Sponsor a family 

• Hire a youth from our programs 

• Volunteer with your team or company 

• Advocate for affordable housing 

• Become a monthly supporter 

• Share reStart’s mission with others 

  
  

Together, we can turn the tide — but only if we are willing to meet this moment with urgency, courage, and an unwavering commitment to housing. 

Kansas City does not have a homelessness problem because we care too much about housing. We have a homelessness crisis because for too long we have not built enough housing, invested enough in housing, or prioritized housing at the scale this moment demands. 

The solution is not complicated. Build more housing. Preserve affordable housing. Support innovative housing models. Remove barriers. Accelerate approvals. Invest boldly. Say yes to projects that create stability for families and individuals across our community. 

Every new housing unit creates opportunity. Every family housed strengthens our workforce, our schools, our neighborhoods, and our economy. Every investment in housing reduces strain on emergency systems and creates healthier, safer communities for everyone. 

This is the work that will define the future of Kansas City. Not whether we debated long enough or studied the problem long enough — but whether we acted boldly enough. 

Now is the time to go all in on housing. Not halfway. Not someday. Right now. 

Because when people have a safe place to call home, everything changes. And together, we can build the strongest Kansas City yet.