Whether you’re in need of winter clothes or a place to stay warm, help is available now. Here’s a quick guide to finding cold weather resources in Jackson County.
Resource Hubs
JCPH: If you’re struggling to afford housing, food, utilities, or other basic needs, our community health workers can connect you to local resources. Visit JCPH.org/connect-here and fill out our social needs assessment form to get started.
United Way: If you need assistance with services like housing, mental health, food, crisis hotlines, and more, the United Way of Greater Kansas City is here to help. Call 211 any hour of the day, seven days a week to get connected. United Way also has an online search tool that we reference throughout this guide. Click “Add my location” to filter by city or zip code.
Warming Centers
Warming centers are available to the general public during the location’s business hours. Anyone can visit, warm up, and use the facilities as needed, but overnight hours are typically not provided.
- United Way has a search feature to find extreme weather cooling and warming centers near you.
- The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) maintains a digital map of warming centers throughout the state. You can search by address to find warming centers near you. Trouble finding results? Try increasing the search radius by 2-3 miles at a time.
- In Jackson County, most Mid-Continent Public Library branches serve as warming centers. You can find them listed in both directories linked above. Or browse all branch locations and find open hours + contact information here.
Shelters
Shelters offer a warm place to stay overnight; in Kansas City, some are only activated during extreme weather conditions. If the shelter has a phone number listed, call before you go to confirm availability.
- United Way has a search feature to find extreme weather shelters near you.
- The Kansas City Public Library regularly publishes up-to-date Street Sheets for people who are experiencing homelessness or seeking guidance on where to find help in the greater Kansas City area. In addition to cold weather shelters, they also list where to find food, showers, laundry, and more.
Transportation
- JCPH: If you are in need of transportation to any of our services or events at JCPH, complimentary rideshare passes are available. Email JACOHDcommunityhealth@uhkc.org or call/text (816) 447-0421 for more information.
- Jackson County area: Need transportation to a different resource center? OATS Transit offers low-cost rides in Blue Springs, Grain Valley, and Lee’s Summit to those eligible. Call them a day in advance at 816-380-7433 or 1-800-480-6287.
Clothing and Food
- United Way has a search feature to find winter clothing near you.
- Our partners at Harvesters host food distribution events and supply food pantries all across Jackson County at a variety of days and times throughout the month. Check their food locator tool to find a site near you. At JCPH, we host food distribution events every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Learn more here.
Pass it On
If you found this guide helpful, or if you know someone who could benefit from these cold weather resources in Jackson County, please share this page. Everyone deserves safety and warmth through the winter season.
