Which shelters are open?

• Dial 2-1-1 for Connection: Call 2-1-1 or visit 211kc.org. A specialist can look up volunteer groups, church programs, or non-profits operating in your specific neighborhood.  

• Reach out to Community Groups: Organizations like Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) and the Shepherd’s Center are dedicated to supporting older adults and may have programs to assist with home safety needs.  

• Connect with Your Neighbors: Winter is a time for neighbors to look out for one another. If you are comfortable, we encourage you to post on Nextdoor or reach out to your neighborhood association to let them know you need a hand.  

If you are worried about someone in the cold and can’t get ahold of them, call 911. 

If you see a pet outside without shelter during extreme cold, contact 311 or the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care. 

Donate Supplies 

Our shelter partners need warm clothes (coats, hats, gloves) and blankets.  

Where to Drop Off:  

Hope Faith 

705 Virginia Avenue, Kansas City, MO 

Phone: (816) 471-4673

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

When you arrive, please pull into the parking lot and ring the doorbell at the front door.  

Shop the Amazon Wishlist or check out Hope Faith’s Donation List 

Make a financial donation

For Organizations: Open Your Own Warming Center 

If your organization would like to open its doors to help neighbors stay warm, please review these key considerations from the Zero KC plan to ensure you are prepared. 

• Know who you serve: Decide which group you are best equipped to help (youth, families, single adults, etc.)
• Be a good neighbor: Check if your location is near bus stops. Plan smoking areas and quiet hours to respect your neighbors.
• Set House Rules: Set clear rules for safety. You must decide your policy on drugs/alcohol, weapons, and personal belongings. Guests should sign these rules during check-in.
• Define your services: It is perfectly fine to offer just a warm bed for the night. If you plan to offer meals, medical help, or case management, make sure you have the right staff.
• Safety and Discharge: Have a clear plan for when you must ask a guest to leave (i.e. for breaking rules, violent behavior, etc.).  

Read the full guide here. 

Avoid Travel: If possible, postpone your trip until roads have been plowed, treated, and cleared. 

Slow Down & Increase Distance: Reduce your speed by at least 10 mph and increase your following distance to five to six seconds. 

Brake Gently: Apply the gas slowly to regain traction. If your vehicle has Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. 

Clear All Snow from Your Car: Clear all snow and ice completely from your hood, roof, windows, mirrors, and lights before driving. This helps prevent large blocks of ice from falling off your car and hitting another driver or pedestrian.  

Do Not Leave Vehicle Running: Never leave your vehicle running unattended. This is against City Ordinance and is an easy invitation for thieves to steal it. 

Skid Recovery: If you begin to skid, steer gently in the direction you want the front wheels to go to regain control. 

Be Prepared: Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry an Emergency Kit (with warm blankets, food, a small shovel, and sand/cat litter for traction).  

Check out the video below for more car safety tips:

Frozen pipes can lead to costly water damage. 

Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is: Locate your main water shut-off valve so you can turn off the water quickly if a leak occurs. 

Drip Water: When temperatures are predicted to drop below 20 degrees or remain below freezing for more than a few hours, leave a small, pencil-lead-thin stream of cold water running from exposed faucets. 

Insulate and Circulate Air: Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas, and open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing. 

Exterior Prep: Remove, drain, and store all outdoor hoses and shut off the water supply to all exterior hose bibs. 

Thawing Safety: Do not use a blowtorch or open flame to thaw frozen pipes. Instead, use an electric heating pad or a hair dryer. 

Check out the video below for more tips on preventing frozen pipes:

Just because they have fur doesn't mean pets don't get cold. 

Bring Pets Indoors: Keep cats and dogs inside during cold weather. If it's too cold for you, it's likely too cold for your pet. 

Check Vehicle Engines: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats; bang on the hood or honk the horn before starting the engine. 

Protect Paws: Wipe their paws after every walk to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. Consider using pet-safe paw balm or a protective sweater/coat for short-haired breeds. 

Keep Leashed: Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, as they can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. 

Check out the video below for more pet safety tips:

Space heaters are a major cause of winter house fires. Follow these rules for safety: 

Maintain 3-Foot Clearance: Keep your heater at least three feet away (about the length of a broom) from anything that can burn. This includes curtains, furniture, beds, papers, and clothing. 

Plug Directly into Wall: Always plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip, as they can easily overheat and cause a fire. 

Turn Off When Leaving: Always turn the space heater off and unplug it when you leave the room or go to bed. 

Use a Solid Surface: Place the heater on a solid, flat surface away from high-traffic areas. Look for models that shut off automatically if they tip over.

Keep Kids and Pets Away: Establish a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the heater. Never let children move the unit. 

Check out the video below to learn more about space heater safety: 

If you need help finding somewhere to warm up or need warm clothes, check out our Winter Resources Page.

For more safety tips, check out our complete Winter playlist on Youtube!