Transitional living program looking for new funding after being forced to close

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Lack of funding ended a highly successful transitional living program operated through Municipal Court in Kansas City, Mo. Now, a Municipal Court judge and a court administrator are trying to get that funding restored.

The transitional living program was funded by a grant from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. When that grant ended three weeks ago, the transitional living program had to close while administrators looked for new funding.

Pamela Storck, a recovering substance abuser, was in transitional housing and forced to move.

"It was stressful, and I had to go to some extra meetings to handle it," Storck said.

"I did not relapse, and I moved to a homeless shelter. So I'm okay," she said.

Municipal Court Judge Joseph Locasio presides over drug court. He is concerned that if the program Is not restored, many participants will relapse, commit crimes and cost the system even more money.

'We need this transitional living program to reduce crime and help our clients stop the cycle of behavior that got them here," Locasio said.

The Municipal Court is currently submitting requests for grants and asking anyone who may be able to help to make a donation.

The program closed after losing more than $400,000 in funding.