KANSAS CITY HOMELESS UNION SECURES HISTORIC VICTORY-- HOMES, JOBS, A SEAT AT THE TABLE.

Today, KCHU negotiated an agreement between @QuintonLucasKC , City Council, and the city’s unhoused population. The agreement comes after KCHU staged a historic two-month occupation at City Hall, and a week of escalation after City Hall threatened KCHU with a sweep.

ORGANIZING GETS THE GOODS: For two months, KCHU has occupied City Hall. On March 31, KCHU received a notice to vacate. On April 1, KC Tenants rallied in solidarity with KCHU. From late Sunday, KCHU and allies prepared to block a sweep that was anticipated for Monday afternoon.

Responding to public pressure to stop the sweep, @QuintonLucasKC met with KCHU leadership twice on Monday, on Tuesday morning, on Wednesday afternoon, and finally this morning to negotiate an agreement.

In good faith, KCHU agreed to work w the City on long-term solutions, including permanent homes. They have agreed to move from protest to collaboration, w the expectation of a seat at the table. If at any point the agreements are violated, KCHU will return to escalate.

The Mayor will today amend a program announced a few weeks ago to make available 111 land bank homes, prioritizing those currently experiencing homelessness. KCHU won commitments for true affordability at 30% area median income (around $400) for at least 20 years.

Jobs-- the Mayor will introduce a resolution to study barriers to employment faced by unhoused people. KCHU knows that a study is not enough, but the resolution comes with a commitment from the City to provide well-paying, long-term jobs to those experiencing homelessness.

While KCHU is focused on long term solutions (permanently affordable homes and secure jobs), they recognize the need for short term solutions as well. The Mayor committed 500 hotel rooms available for at least 90 days, as well as an outside option w access to water and services.

Source: https://twitter.com/KCTenants/status/1380221333720678401

"Kansas City Homeless Union made history today, winning at least 111 deeply affordable homes for people currently experiencing homelessness, good jobs, 500 hotel rooms to facilitate a transition to permanent housing and a guaranteed seat at the table for future negotiations."

https://twitter.com/KCTenants/status/1380224149184995328