Notable Women on a Mission to End Homelessness
Over 223,000 women in America are experiencing homelessness. Many of these women have children who depend on them for safety, food and shelter. There are many women in Kansas City who are on a mission to end homelessness for all individuals. Some of these women have experienced homelessness themselves.
There is no better time to acknowledge the hardships facing women in our country today than during Women’s History Month. We are proud of the amazing strides that have been made and continue to be made by women in the Kansas City area in hopes of ending homelessness. We will continue to do all we can to lift up these women and their efforts to make forward progress.
GKCCEH is Run by Women
We are proud to boast that the entire GKCCEH team is made up of incredible, difference-making women. Thank you to our staff for overcoming barriers to end homelessness in Kansas City:
- Executive Director Marqueia Watson
- CE Intake Specialist Kora Wilkes
- HMIS Data Quality and Capacity Admin Desiree Blake
- Administrative Coordinator Patricia Hernandez
- Data Systems Manager Shida McCormick
- Programs Director Amber Bauer
- CoC Project Coordinator Haley White
- CE Manager Kaylee Coulter
If you’re looking for ways to encourage our team and to serve the Kansas City community, please consider donating to move our mission forward.
Spotlight on Programs Director Amber Bauer
Our Program Director Amber Bauer brings over 15 years of experience in diverse social service settings to the GKCCEH team. She previously works for the Division of Youth Services, Cornerstones of Care, Synergy Services and the Community Services League. Amber is a passionate and motivated advocate working to develop and create community-based solutions focused on ending homelessness and housing instability throughout the Kansas City community. She was born and raised in Independence, MO, and her roots in the city run deep. When she’s not working you can find her by the pool, on the lake fishing or cheering on her “mini-me” (her nephew) at his sporting events.
If you have any questions regarding housing, coordinated entry or getting involved to help support our houseless neighbors, give Amber a buzz at abauer@gkcceh.org
Other Woman-Run KC Organizations Fighting to End Homelessnesss
Care Beyond the Boulevard
Founded by women, Care Beyond the Boulevard fills a significant gap in access to comprehensive medical care for Kansas City’s homeless residents. Five days a week, CBB delivers high-quality, reliable, evidenced-based care in the areas of primary medical care, wound care, women’s health, mental health, and diagnosis and treatment plans outside the bounds of the traditional health care setting for unsheltered homeless patients by taking the healthcare organization directly to the patient.
CBB’s Statement of Solidarity states that the values of inclusivity, solidarity, justice and love guide the medical care delivered. The life-sustaining mental and physical healthcare administered by the providers, staff, and volunteers of CBB are trusted and depended upon by their patients. CBB’s mission is to ensure that homeless, uninsured or otherwise vulnerable members of society retain access to quality medical and mental health care despite adverse financial or social circumstances outside the bounds of traditional healthcare settings, and in doing so become a force for health care equality and social change.
Click here to learn more about CBB.
Healing House
Since its founding in 2003, Healing House, Inc. has markedly expanded its scale and reach. Under Founder Ms. Reed’s leadership, Healing House has purchased and refurbished numerous vacant homes – several of which were former drug houses – into safe, sober homes for both men and women. Healing House has also purchased two apartment buildings where families are restored and parents reunited with their children.
Each year, Healing House provides help and healing to nearly 300 men and women. More than 8,000 individuals in recovery have been served by Healing House. Transitional housing is currently available for up to 180 adults and 25 children in the same Kansas City neighborhood. This area – once riddled with drug dealing, prostitution, and gang violence – is rapidly being transformed into a safe and protective neighborhood through the collaboration of Healing House, numerous volunteers, and like-minded residents.
