10.26.23 Housing & Homelessness Committee inaugural meeting Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2023

Media Contacts:
Donna Peyton, 2nd District At-Large Legislator
(816) 405-6701 | dpeyton@jacksongov.org

Calvin Williford, 2nd District At-Large Legislative Aide
(816) 868-9307 | cdwilliford@jacksongov.org

Jackson County Housing & Homelessness Committee convenes inaugural meeting Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Jackson County Legislature has established a Legislative Committee on Housing & Homelessness in an effort to establish goals and strategies to implement a holistic approach to combat the growing challenges surrounding these issues. The committee will hold its first meeting on Monday, Oct. 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Jackson County Downtown Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, 2nd Floor, Legislative Chambers.

The first meeting will include a panel of experts, community and nonprofit leaders and elected officials including David Warm, Executive Director of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC); Marqueia Watson, Executive Director, Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness; Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw; City of Independence Councilmember Dr. Bridget McCandless; and John Fierro, President/CEO, Mattie Rhoades Center.

The new committee is chaired by 2nd District-at-Large Legislator Donna Peyton and includes legislators Jalen Anderson, 1st District-at-Large; Manuel Abarca IV, 1st District; and Jeanie Lauer, 5th District.

Committee Chair Donna Peyton said, “By bringing together the leaders and champions who are working tirelessly every day facing the myriad of challenge surrounding these complex issues it is my hope we will develop strategies and achievable goals to impact the lives of the unhoused.”

According to data collected by the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness, between 2019 and 2022 there was a 192% increase in the unhoused in Jackson County. This was partially driven by the COVID-19 pandemic but points to a growing challenge in our region. Single adults, chronically homeless and families with children are the largest categories facing this persistent and life-threatening challenge.

“As someone who has visited homeless encampments and heard from individuals and families, I know we can do better. We must do better,” Peyton said. “And, we must bring partners together to make a sustainable difference.”