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Steven is a 72-year-old retired KC resident who reached out to Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) and its rental assistance resources during a very difficult moment in his life. After living in his apartment for seven years, the annual increases were finally more than he could afford. Living on a fixed SSI income, Steven quickly fell behind and found himself facing eviction, something that weighed heavily on him and left him feeling overwhelmed and afraid.
Older Americans face increasing risks of homelessness
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, nearly 10% of the state’s 1.1 million residents aged 65+ live below the poverty level, and 22% receive food assistance. Additionally, people 50 years or older represent the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness (National Alliance to End Homelessness).
In this way, Steven was not alone in the sudden housing challenges he faced. When our BSC caseworkers met with him during a home visit, the stress of the situation became heartbreakingly real. During the visit, the landlord knocked on the door and said they needed to talk about eviction. Steven was visibly shaken and emotional, unsure of his next steps.
BSC offers emergency relief to KC neighbor in need
BSC stepped in and provided funds to help Steven catch up on his January rent. With his income remaining the same and his expenses continuing to rise, Steven had been carrying an enormous burden. When he realized help had arrived, the relief was immediate and unmistakable.
Steven expressed deep gratitude, sharing how much it meant to know he wasn’t facing this alone. You could see the weight lifted from him in that moment – a reminder of how a small act of support can restore hope, dignity, and peace during life’s hardest times.
Every donated dollar helps turn struggles into successes for people in need each month. For Steven, it anchored his ability to remain in his residence this winter. His smile confirms his deep appreciation.
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He walked out of prison and through BSC’s front door, ready to rebuild his life. Where is he today?
The Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) Employment Services program makes a difference in many lives throughout our Kansas City community.
Rebuilding a life after hardship
Mark is one such community member who got his second chance at life. Eight years ago, Mark* was connected with the BSC team as he began rebuilding his life after incarceration. He had a bike for transportation and was finding it challenging to find work that was accessible. BSC was a lifeline – a phone, hygiene care, and bus passes helped Mark on his journey to self-sufficiency.
Mark is now almost a decade into the career he obtained through working with BSC. In that time, Mark gained on-the-job skills and was promoted to supervisor. He has also purchased a car and is considering a home purchase.
“I don’t drive by Bishop Sullivan Center without thinking of how you helped me,” he shared.
Job candidates work with BSC staff to learn basic computer and interview skills, as well as how to market their own talents to secure employment.
Comprehensive job services lead to brighter futures
Since 1995, the BSC Employment Services program has been supporting community members just like Mark, providing free job counseling. BSC works with each client on work-readiness, so they have the basic skills needed to be successful. Support includes working on vocational ability, attitude, and dependability. BSC offers two locations where clients can access computers for job searches, as well as resume and mock interview support.
We all deserve second chances, and Mark has certainly made the most of his thanks to everyone who supports this much needed BSC program. Thank you!
In the News: Bishop Sullivan Center Helps Kansas Citians Find Employment, Northeast News.
*Name changed for privacy
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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
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The BSC team assembles a new sofa for special needs family.
Setting up stability for a family with special needs.
Parenting is challenging. But for parents of children with special needs, especially those with limited means, the unexpected challenges can lead to serious financial hardship. Sylvia*, the single parent of two severely autistic children, was recently forced to move from her apartment complex when neighbors complained of disruptive noises her kids were making. Sylvia was able to find a house that would work for the family, but the sudden nature of their move left her unable to prepare financially for both the deposit and the first month’s rent.
With no support systems in place and her children requiring around-the-clock care, Sylvia wasn’t sure where to turn. Our partners at Flourish: A Furniture Bank connected Sylvia with Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC).
Our team was able to visit the family’s new home and assist them with funds to help cover their first month’s rent, as well as purchase a few essentials — a couch, towels, and pots and pans.
“It felt good to relieve some pressure for Sylvia,” said BSC Programs Director Shilo Foster. “She puts everything into her children. It was nice to do something for her.”
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