KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Finding ways to win against homelessness is reStart’s goal.
“Last year, we provided services to more than 5,600 people, and we placed almost 900 into permanent housing,” reStart President and CEO Evie Craig said.
From veterans to families, single parents, couples, and children, the nonprofit provides shelter and resources, helping people get a restart on their lives.
“It's a place to rebuild your life and it's family here,” reStart client Pam Clary said.
James Martin, who suffered a heart attack, said reStart helped save his life.
“I had stints put in my heart, couldn't get to my medicine,” Martin said. “I couldn't afford my medicine. ReStart has helped me get to my medicine and keep me alive, living.”
Craig said child homelessness in the Kansas City area has increased over the years.
“Among all the area school districts, in 2012 and 2013, it was estimated there were 3,800 homeless youth,” Craig said. “Now those numbers are almost at 6,000.”
Nate Allen, 20, went to reStart after he became homeless.
“I think I'd be out on the streets for good,” Allen said. “It would be hard for me to get back on my feet without this place.”
Known for providing help, now the nonprofit needs help of its own.
“We're looking for support from everybody,” Craig said.
ReStart is one of eight agencies across the nation nominated for the Opus Foundation grant. The winner would receive $65,000.
“This grant will provide services in shelter and safety for one year for 65 homeless and runaway teens,” Craig said. “It will provide 132,000 meals, it will help us to put 900 people into permanent housing. It will support full-time employment for more than 3 homeless persons.”
ReStart is the only nonprofit nominated from Missouri this year.
The organization hopes with your vote they can provide even more to those who need it most.
Here’s how you vote: Simply click on this link and it will direct you to the voting page.
Voting ends Friday, May 4 at 4 p.m.
