Increased living costs bring more first-timers to Bishop Sullivan Center
All across our Kansas City community, dramatic increases in the cost of necessities have really hit home. Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) is a vital safety net for our neighbors in need. This summer, our emergency assistance team reported an unusual increase in calls from neighbors who had suddenly been laid off from long-term employment — a trend that’s particularly concerning, considering the strain on budgets community-wide.
Fresh produce and pantry goods are offered at both Bishop Sullivan Center’s Kansas City locations. Individual donors account for 92% of BSC’s program dollars, making the food pantries possible.
Just last month, we met Brenda* — a hard-working KC resident who found herself laid off by the school district. Like many of us, she has never needed help before and never imagined needing a resource like BSC.
Brenda quickly found a part-time job, but it just wasn’t enough to make ends meet.
“When she reached out to us, Brenda was clearly feeling pretty low,” notes Programs Director Shilo Foster. “She mentioned she was struggling to afford groceries and hadn’t eaten much recently. These are our community members, and we simply can’t have that!”
Through BSC’s Food Pantry and Rent Assistance programs, we were able to alleviate some of Brenda’s immediate stressors – ensuring she had nutritious grocery staples and help with her rent.
“This was just the connection I needed,” she shares. “I feel so blessed that BSC was there when I needed support the most.” Brenda continues her search for more stable employment.
“The job market is tough right now … honestly, for everyone,” shares Foster. “The cost of living is climbing. Temporary or part-time jobs that people typically find to fill the gaps between gainful employment are no longer sufficient. We’re getting more calls and emails than ever before from community members like Brenda, who have never needed help before. I’m thrilled that BSC is here to fill the gaps.”
Image: Zillow. Rent prices have skyrocketed since 2015 throughout the Midwest, leaving individuals closer than ever to homelessness. Bishop Sullivan Center’s rental assistance program helps Kansas City residents make ends meet.
Tighter budgets across the Kansas City metro
Everyone is feeling the impact of rising costs. But for neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, the issues go far beyond skipping the eggs and coffee at the grocery store. Those already on tight budgets are finding it harder to balance all their monthly expenses, and those on Social Security are unable to save for a rainy day. Lost work hours mean having to choose which bills are most dire for many, not just in Kansas City, but across the country.
Lower-end housing prices have increased more than lower-end wages in recent years in the Kansas City metro. More alarmingly, rents have rapidly increased by 47% in the last 10 years in KC, according to Zillow. With skyrocketing rent and recent funding cuts impacting many partner organizations, BSC is one of the few remaining lifelines available for Kansas City residents in need of rent and utility assistance.
Vital community support enables BSC to provide a hand up
“We know the stresses families are under to make ends meet,” says Director of Outreach Hannah Brockway. “The strain on their incomes and benefits is greater than ever. We may not be the answer for everything, but we are privileged to experience the beauty of helping others every day; during these trying times, this is something to hold onto with both hands.”
Did you know that individual donors make up 92% of BSC’s program dollars? Truly incredible — a testament to the power of local community. Ongoing support from community members is vital to enabling BSC to provide a hand up to our neighbors in need!
*Name changed for privacy