Feared Census undercount threatens Kansas City amid pandemic strain

The U.S. Census’ interactive Response Rates map shows that the feared undercount among Kansas City’s lower-income neighborhoods is already being established. And efforts to combat it are caught in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now what? Missouri schools closed for rest of year, but next steps remain in flux

Even though few were taken by surprise by Missouri’s decision to close schools for the rest of the school year, the questions over what happens next aren’t any clearer on the day after.

InPlay's education program guide now rounding up 'in-home' options

InPlay’s interactive web site that gather’s and sorts options for out-of-school time programming for families was deep into its second year of serving Kansas City when, like everyone else, the pandemic changed everything.

'That ain't right!' say tenants in KC virtual rally as concern over rents, mortgages grows

With so many jobless, so many fearing to join already swollen ranks of homeless, and both renters and landlords fearing mounting debt, the rally called for a statewide moratorium on rent and mortgage during the pandemic.

Spreading the word: Free meals available for families with children

The first week without Kansas City Public Schools meal service has some providers worried that parents and guardians are not getting the message of where they can go.

Campaign puts all adults on watch for child abuse during pandemic as #Essential4Kids

A disturbing drop in the number calls to the Missouri child abuse hotline is sparking an urgent call for everyone to help keep watch on the state’s children in the awareness campaign, #Essential4Kids.

Disconnected at home: KC’s pandemic-fueled race to get Internet access for all

The pandemic’s social isolation lights new fire to a long-running struggle to get everyone in Kansas City connected to the Internet. A look at who’s doing what, and how you can get help, or give help.

What to do if you're newly unemployed in Missouri

Here’s how to file a claim if you’re one of more than 100,000 Missourians among 6.6 million Americans filing unemployment claims last week.

Lost income? Lost health insurance? You may qualify for state COVID-19 relief

If you lost income or health insurance due to COVID-19, you may now qualify for help from the Missouri Department of Social Services.

SchoolSmartKC announces $2 million relief fund to support schools in KCPS boundary

In recognition of the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 virus has had on area schools, communities, and other affiliated organizations, SchoolSmartKC has created a $2 million relief fund.

'Act like you have the virus': KC's key to virus protection for all

As Kansas City enforces its stay home orders, KC health director Rex Archer says it plain: There are “absolutely” undetected COVID-19 cases throughout the city and everyone should act as if they are carrying the virus.

'What will you say you did?'

If we didn’t realize the stakes before, surely we do now. The pandemic of 2020 has peeled back the scars encrusted by generations of inequity. Lessons from a virtual educators’ seminar. “What will you say you did . . .?”

Debate is on: How do we protect tenants, landlords from post-pandemic evictions, debt

Evictions may be banned for now, but fear is building over what peril awaits both tenants and landlords on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foundations launch Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund

A coalition of charitable, business and government partners has joined together to create the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to address the needs of the Kansas City region's most vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

'No hunger,' say school teams as volunteers help deliver lunches to families

Fleets of school buses in Kansas City began retracing neighborhood routes this week, not to pick children up for classes, but to deliver them meals.

Child care resources offered for COVID-19 frontline responders

Child Care Aware has opened a childcare referral service especially for first responders, health care workers, and essential personnel.

More school meal programs launched; buildings closed at least until April 24

As Kansas City and other jurisdictions invoked shelter-in-place orders for at least a month, plans by most districts to begin food distribution today, March 23, focused on the longer-horizon they had been anticipating.

Should KC open hotels to sequester homeless? COVID-19 crisis looms

As Kansas City prepares for a shelter-at-home order to take effect Tuesday morning, a community crisis is developing in the area’s growing homeless population. Shelter residents are terrified, knowing many are already weak in health and shelters are overwhelmed and unable to provide the space for safe social distancing to protect them.

COVID-19 relief: Missouri announces Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care subsidy benefits will continue

Missouri has cleared the way for families and individuals on Medicaid and families receiving child care subsidies to continue receiving that aid as the nation prepares for the COVID-19 pandemic.

School Districts, pantries step up food distribution; opportunities to help

Most area districts have had this week as Spring Break to prepare for food distribution to families during the closed-school days ahead.