From food and diapers to healthcare and utility assistance, there are thousands of programs that offer assistance to Kansas City families. Below you’ll find organizations and programs that help on both sides of the state line. Even if you don’t need assistance right now, this list may be helpful for a loved one or to bookmark for future needs.
Where to Find Assistance in KC
Health and Dental Care
Health Partnership Clinic
The Health Partnership Clinic offers a range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services for all ages. Clinics are located in Olathe, Paola, Ottawa, Merriam (kids only) and Overland Park (Shawnee Mission School District students and siblings only). All ages are welcome, and it doesn’t matter if you have health insurance or not. Services are provided on a sliding scale based on income. Health Partnership Clinic can also help you select and apply for KanCare, Marketplace or other health insurance plan. Contact the clinic nearest you to make an appointment.
Swope Health
Swope Health provides primary care, dental and vision care, behavioral health, an OBGYN and a pharmacy. If you are not insured, fees for services are based on your household income and family size. Swope Health also helps with the cost of medications for those with no insurance and who meet certain requirements. Locations can be found in KCMO, KCK, Belton, Leavenworth, Riverside, and Independence. For appointments call 816-923-5800 or make an appointment online.
UMKC School of Dentistry Clinic
The University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Dentistry operates a student run (faculty supervised) dental practice. They offer comprehensive dental care including pediatric dentistry, braces and even complex care like wisdom teeth extraction, implants, and root canals. Because the students are learning, appointments can be longer. However, costs are significantly lower than private clinics with fees averaging a third to a half of the cost of a private dentist. To schedule a visit, call 816-235-2100.
Diapers
HappyBottoms
HappyBottoms distributes free diapers to those experiencing financial need. Diapers are available for children under age four. HappyBottoms gives each child 75 diapers (Size Newborn through Size 6) or 50 training pants (2/3T, 3/4T, 4/5T) per month. Diapers are distributed at locations throughout the Kansas City metro area. Visit HappyBottoms to select a location near you and pre-enroll.
Food Assistance
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children)
If you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding or have a child under age five, you may be eligible for the government’s WIC program. WIC Participants receive debit cards which can be used to purchase food tailored to their nutritional needs (example: formula, baby food, milk, and other healthy foods). To apply contact your local WIC agency.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP is a government program that provides recipients with a debit card to purchase nutritional food. It was previously known as food stamps. Eligibility is based on who lives with you, income, household size and current bank balances. Harvesters Community Food Network can help you navigate SNAP. Harvesters will conduct a brief, free and confidential screening over the phone to determine if you would qualify, and then assist you with completing and filing your application. You do not have to visit a government office or stand in line. You can also apply for Kansas SNAP at or for Missouri SNAP online.
Free and Reduced Meals at School
Your child may qualify for free or reduced lunches and breakfasts at school. Eligibility is based on income and household size. You can apply for this program through your child’s school.
Harvesters Community Food Network
Don’t worry if you don’t qualify for the government programs listed above. Local food assistance programs often don’t have the same income requirements as government-run programs. There are many different types of local programs, including food pantries, drive-through food pickups and kitchens (meals eaten onsite). Harvesters Community Food Network is a great resource for finding the right program and location for you. Harvesters Food Locator allows you to search by type of program and zip code. You’ll find programs throughout the metro at locations like churches, Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army.
Childcare
Childcare Aware of Kansas and Childcare Aware of Missouri can help you sort through childcare options to meet your family’s budget and needs. They can also recommend any programs, state subsidies or tax credits that can help you manage childcare costs,
Rent and Utility Assistance
Rent and utility assistance varies by county and state. For Johnson County visit the county’s Aging and Human Services division. For Jackson County, visit the Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City. In addition, utility providers (Evergy, Atmos, Kansas Gas, etc.) often offer bill assistance programs. Check with your utility companies to see what programs are available to you.
Domestic Violence
Kansas City area domestic violence shelters offer emergency housing to those experiencing intimate partner abuse. In addition, many of these organizations also offer counseling, legal services and other specialized assistance. Services are free and available to anyone experiencing abuse. All shelters offer 24-hour hotlines, which are listed below. However, if you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Safehome (913-262-2868)
- Only shelter located in Johnson County
- Attorney on staff
Hope House (816-461-4673)
- Transitional and permanent housing assistance programs
- Offers secure off-site facility for non-custodial parent supervised visits & monitored exchanges of custody
Rose Brooks (816-861-6100)
- Accepts pets
- Has on-site health clinic
- Specialized therapy programs for children
New House (816-471-5800)
- Accepts pets
- Attorney on staff
- On-site early learning center and school for K-6th grade
Other Assistance Needs
The United Way of Greater Kansas City 211
If you didn’t find what you need listed above, contact The United Way of Greater Kansas City. Their 211 program is a comprehensive guide to thousands of assistance programs in the metro area. Call 2-1-1 and you’ll reach a trained professional that can help you find what you need. 211 is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also search through a directory of resources.
Resources You May Have Missed
Public Libraries
Your local library is a great place to find out about community programs. Library staff are often highly knowledgeably on state, county and city resources and can make referrals to resources that you may not know about. Some libraries even partner with agencies and community organizations on a regular basis to offer programming and drop-in events. Programs may include free meals for kids, free tax preparation, health screenings and more.
City Government
Don’t overlook your city government for assistance programs, especially when it comes to home and yard maintenance.
County Government
Contact your county for a variety of programs including free or low-cost healthcare at the county health department and programs to help older adults.
Your Child’s School
Your child’s school/district may offer assistance programs especially for students and their families. Examples of local programs include district-specific health clinics, clothing closets and free school supplies.
Faith Communities/Churches
Churches or faith communities offer a variety of assistance. Examples of local resources include food pantries, assistance for unemployed or underemployed individuals and free or reduced fee counseling/therapy services.
