Way Home Tour for Community Linc

Community LINC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that aims to end homelessness, impact poverty and remove barriers to self-sufficiency for the families we serve. In the past 25 years, Community LINC has served 3,791 families with 11,320 individuals, including 8,205 children with shelter or programming. The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers all work to change the lives of homeless families in Kansas City.

Community LINC was conceived in May 1986 when a group of citizens from three local churches began meeting to discuss ways to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Modeling the organization of a transitional housing program in Liberty, Missouri, their goal was to create independent and self-sufficient families.

In 1987, the first governing body was established and the name LINC (Living In New Community) was adopted. In 1988, LINC was granted a 501(c)(3) status, and the organization was born. The program’s first official home was an apartment building at 32nd and Warwick with four units available for homeless families.

In September 1991, HUD approved relocation to three apartment buildings at 4012-14, 4016-18, and 4028-30 Troost for one dollar. In the 1990’s, the word “Community” was officially added to the name, becoming “Community LINC.”

Twenty-five years later, Community LINC owns 36 units and has an annual budget over $2.2 million. Community LINC has grown from serving approximately 12 families a year to approximately 150 families a year.