Community Clinic Offers Help to Homeless
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For many of Kansas City’s homeless population living without health care is a given. As of Saturday, thousands of homeless men, women and children in the metro now have a free health care option.
Two new non-profits opened their doors inside of Hope Faith Ministries. Ernest Mickens welcomed people through the doors at Hope Faith Ministries. The 58-year-old is an artist. He has also been a computer analyst and a metal worker but in 2009, he was laid off and soon he was also homeless.
“There are a lot of professionals that have been displaced,” Mickens said. “We have plumbers and carpenters and electricians. We have professional people who have found themselves in this position due to circumstances beyond their control.”
Eventually he found his way to Hope Faith Ministries. Now, with a little help he is back on his feet and on his way back up. His artwork hangs over the fellowship hall. It’s his desire to climb out of his homeless plight and help others do the same.
Free haircuts, flu shots, free clothes and laundry services are available there. Now, they also offer free vision and dental care.
“Seven days a week we are seeing somewhere between eight and 1,200 men, women and children that come through the door for services,” said Desiree Monize, exec. director of Hope Faith Ministries.
About 33 agencies are in one place to make life better for the thousands of people with no other options.
“It’s amazing to have a child who comes in here with bad teeth and we address issues that effect their whole body and outlook and it really gives them a reason to smile,” said David Emmerick with Hope Dental.
It wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers. There are nearly 6,000 people who help with everything from carpentry to health care providers and cooks. They’re giving back what they’ve been given to help people like Mickens.
Click here to learn more about Hope Dental. Click here to learn more about Hope Faith Ministries. For information about the free eye clinic click here.
