In December, the doors of Shalom House will joyfully re-open as Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living Program at Sanctuary of Hope in Kansas City, Kansas. Men experiencing homelessness will have a safe, dignified place to eat a hot meal, shower, sleep and, most importantly, engage in long-term programming that will change the trajectory of their lives leading them out of poverty once and for all.

At the new location, Shalom House will serve up to 60 men—a substantial increase from 24 in years past. Men will be referred to Shalom House through a variety of community partners and parishes. Each resident will go through an extensive review prior to entry. The revamped program will run over a course of 12 months with the ultimate resident goals of achieving permanent housing and employment; improved physical, mental and spiritual health; and a renewed sense of hope. 

“Catholic Charities is humbled to begin this next chapter of services and grateful to all who have made this opportunity possible,” explained Lauren Solidum, President & CEO. “At Catholic Charities, our mission is to move those we serve from immediate crisis to self-sufficiency. What an incredible opportunity we have through Shalom House.” 

Sanctuary of Hope

Constructed in 1898, the building has traditionally been a place for healing. Over its long history, it has served as an asylum for the mentally ill, a nursing home for the elderly, a shelter for Vietnamese refugees and eventually a spiritual retreat center.

The 27,000-square-foot facility is nestled in the heart of inner Kansas City, Kansas on 33 acres, offering outdoor space for exercise, reflection and prayer. 

The building’s interior features 30 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, fitness area, large gathering space, meeting rooms, offices and a chapel.

Addressing the Need

Kansas City, Kansas has the second highest rate of homelessness, making up 20% of the metro area homeless population.*

Kansas City, Kansas has only 6% of the available facilities to provide immediate housing and programming to move people experiencing homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.*

*Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness (GKC-CEH) report on the state of housing
and homelessness in the Kansas City metropolitan area.