Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Last updated: February 7, 2022

Our highest priority is the health and safety of our entire Habitat KC community— staff, clients, volunteers, supporters, and all our neighbors.

Therefore, Habitat KC’s had adopted policies and procedures to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following operations will continue to remain open to the public but monitored daily:

    • Homeownership Program, HOPE and Home Preservation Program related questions will be answered via telephone and email.
    • Our office at 1423 Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64109 is open to the public by appointment only. Please call (816) 924-1096 to schedule your time to meet with a Habitat KC staff member.

As part of the Habitat KC family, you understand the power of community action. Thank you for your continued support during this time and for playing your part in promoting the well-being of our entire community.

Many of our homeowners are in positions at the forefront of the crisis, including health care workers, civil servants, service sector employees, those to whom a missed paycheck can mean catastrophe. If you were planning on volunteering, shopping at a ReStore, or supporting Habitat in the coming weeks, we strongly encourage you to support our mission through an online donation today.

For more information on COVID-19 please visit CDC.gov.

Read details below or jump to these sections:

Habitat Clients

All client services will be suspended until further notice, except for the following:

    • Clients with upcoming home closings or active pre-approvals: We will work with you to continue with your home closing.
    • Home visits will not be scheduled until further notice. We will notify potential homebuyers when we are ready to schedule home visits. 
    • Homeownership Program, HOPE and Home Preservation Program related questions will be answered via telephone and email.

We are committed to supporting our clients during this time. Please email ownahome@habitatkc.org with questions/concerns. 

Volunteers

As of May 18, 2021, all volunteer activities will resume with policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of volunteers and staff. 

Click here to see our COVID-19 volunteer policy.

If you need to reschedule or cancel a scheduled volunteer shift, please email volunteer@habitatkc.org or cancel using your unique volunteer link. 

ReStore

All of Habitat KC’s five ReStore Discount Home Improvement Centers will reopen on May 4, 2020, with new measures to help ensure the health and safety of shoppers, donors and staff. These measures include frequent cleaning and disinfecting of our stores with a focus on high-touch areas, Signage to promote appropriate social distancing while in the store, the use of face masks and other PPE.

Administrative Offices

Habitat KC’s headquarters and satellite office (listed below) are open to the public by appointment only. Some staff will be working remotely while others practicing social distancing. We are also increasing office sanitation procedures.

    • Habitat KC headquarters: 1423 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64109

Habitat KC Homeowners

This public health crisis is causing a ripple effect of financial hardships across the country, and we want you to know that we are committed to keeping you in your home. If you fall behind on your mortgage payment, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, contact us at (816) 924-1096 ext. 1040. You may also email Kylie Navarro, Director of Homeowner Services, at knavarro@habitatkc.org.

Community Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our community in a variety of ways and the growing economic shock is putting a strain on many households. In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of resources that may offer some relief to families in need. We will update this list as new resources become available. If you know of a community resource and would like to submit it, please use this link and email us your suggestion.

Mortgage Payment

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment due to a loss of income or employment, please contact Habitat KC’s Pat Shelby at (816) 924-1096 ext. 1041. We have a variety of services for which you may qualify that can provide assistance.

Utilities

  • Evergy
    Evergy has suspended power disconnections related to nonpayments for residential and small business customers. They also have extended payment options for customers experiencing hardships do to the pandemic. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Spire
    Spire has suspended disconnects and late fees until May 1 for residential and business customers and is providing assistance to customers struggling to pay their natural gas service or bill. LEARN MORE HERE
  • KC Water
    KC Water has temporarily halted shut-offs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Internet
    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that internet service providers in Kansas and Missouri have pledged to waive fees and halt cancelations until May 12. Contact your service provider for details. LEARN MORE HERE
  • United Way of Wyandotte County – BPU Hardship Assistance Program
    The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has partnered with United Way to assist Wyandotte County residents with payment of their BPU bill through the Hardship Assistance Program. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Bishop Sullivan Center
    Bishop Sullivan Center is providing utility and rental/mortgage assistance to Wyandotte County during the COVID-19 stay at home order period. LEARN MORE HERE

Housing

  • Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
    HUD has added or modified many programs to support homeowners and renters who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness (GKCCEH)
    Connection point for resources for those experiencing homelessness. LEARN MORE HERE

Employment

  • Kansas Department of Labor
    Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Missouri Department of Labor
    Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Workforce Partnership
    Employment and unemployment benefits resources for Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte Counties. LEARN MORE HERE
  • While at Home
    A list of recommendations & resources for people who have lost work & income during the pandemic. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Full Employment Council
    List of employers hiring now. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Missouri One Start
    Missouri One Start is connecting unemployed workers with the companies who desperately need them. LEARN MORE HERE
  • KC Career Network
    A collected list of companies currently hiring, staffing firms, and other employment resources. LEARN MORE HERE

Food

  • Harvesters
    Harvesters is distributing food and household supplies. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Reconciliation Services
    Reconciliation Services is offering free/pay-what-you-can carry-out lunches at 3101 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Kansas City Public Schools
    Kansas City Public Schools is providing distribution sites and delivery options of sack lunches and meal kits for students enrolled in KCPS. Students will need their school ID to pick up food and meals. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Don Bosco Senior Centers
    Don Bosco Senior Centers has hot meals available for seniors through pick up or delivery. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
    Their Family Support Centers continue to serve during this great time of need in our communities. They are only open for business on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 am-noon and from 1 pm-3:30 pm. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Cross-Lines Community Outreach
    Their Food Pantry and Senior Commodities program will continue to be open and serving clients. Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 9 am-12 pm. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Bishop Sullivan Center – Truman Road
    Provides assistance with food and government commodities. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Della Lamb Community Services
    For information or to register for food, please call (816) 842-8040. The food pantry also accepts walk-ins. Daily hours during the COVID-19 crisis are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 9 am-12 pm, Friday: 9 am–5 pm. Emergency assistance for rent and utilities is also available as resources become available. LEARN MORE HERE

Health

*Public health officials urge people to call ahead to their medical providers if they suspect they may be suffering from COVID-19. This helps ensure that providers can prepare first for your arrival and prevent the spread of the virus.

  • City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department
    To receive updates about what the City is doing in response to the coronavirus, text COVIDKC to 888777. You may also find more information on their website. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment
    The Kansas state health department is posting official updates to their website. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
    The Missouri state health department is posting official updates to their website. LEARN MORE HERE
  • KC Care Health Center
    KC CARE will convert medical and behavioral health appointments to telehealth visits, when possible. Their pharmacy is operating under regular hours for all their patients’ medication needs. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Rx Outreach – Discount Prescription Program
    Provides affordable medication mailed directly to your home. Membership is traditionally reserved for those earning less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, but they are temporarily expanding the guidelines on their medication program to assist individuals and families who are facing severe financial hardships because of COVID-19. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Family Health Care
    Services provided regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. COVID-19 drive-thru testing. LEARN MORE HERE

Other Services

  • United Way of Greater Kansas City
    United Way of Greater Kansas City can provide assistance with services in food, utilities, unemployment, transportation, mental health and social services. LEARN MORE HERE
  • The KC COVID-19 Small Business Relief Loan Fund
    If you are a small business owner, you may qualify for this relief fund loan. LEARN MORE HERE
  • Catholic Charities KCSJ
    Catholic Charities provides emergency assistance for rent, utilities, clothing, and hygiene items. LEARN MORE HERE