Hillcrest Transitional Housing has a new facility in Independence to help young homeless people and those navigating the transition from foster care.
The group ceremonially opened Independence Hall near William Chrisman High School on Wednesday. It has nine apartments and can house 18 people.
Hillcrest has several programs to address homelessness. Its youth program is aimed at those 16 to 24. They receive housing and other services for up to two years, and they must be working toward educational goals.
Tom Lally, Hillcrest’s president and CEO, urged those at Wednesday’s event to think of young people in the community who are struggling “because they don’t have the support, they don’t have the love, they don’t have that network” as they make the transition into adulthood.
The event included the announcement by the Truman Heartland Community Foundation of a $300,000 gift by an anonymous donor. Some funding for the new facility came from the Jackson County children’s services tax.
Hillcrest is the beneficiary of this year’s Winefest/Independence Uncorked coming up Sept. 9 in Independence, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eastern Independence.
The group is looking for help to furnish Independence Hall. Those interested can go to hillcrestkc.org.