Greater Kansas City Housing Information Center

The goal in every case is to help consumers to make wise decisions in addressing their housing problem in order to get to an outcome of the housing situation.  Data is collected over the phone or in person depending on the urgency of the housing problem.  In most cases, a counselor is assigned to work with a client to help them to make decisions that will have an impact to change their or living conditions.  We focus heavily on low to moderate income families and 80 % are single moms with children who may have multiple barriers when trying to stabilize their housing situation.  The long term goal is to give the family tools that will help to turn their situation around and become stable not only in housing but become in permanent housing.

Clients are required to come in for an initial education workshop where they are given information about our program and what they can expect by making a commitment to attend three one on one sessions where goals are discussed and a free credit report is reviewed during one of this session. The counselor will be assigned to work with them and discuss the pros and cons of the importance of credit and develop a budget as they collect information to build on in these sessions.  In all cases, the goal is to educate and empower the client to make a commitment to do something about their credit or their situation.

Intake, either in person or by telephone, is usually done by the GKCHIC Intake Specialist who takes basic information in order to verify the nature of the problem and that the client resides within the designated service area, if applicable to the type of assistance sought.  The GKCHIC Director assigns intakes on a weekly basis to the housing counselors. Upon receiving a case, the counselor contacts the client, usually within one week, to schedule an appointment and instructs the client as to the necessary information to bring to the appointment.  “Walk-in” clients are discouraged – generally, the walk-in client does not have the necessary information and documentation to open a case.  Exceptions are made when eviction or foreclosure is imminent.

GKCHIC, in its relationship with consumers, landlords, and owners throughout the metropolitan area, is in a vital position to further the cause of equal opportunity in housing.   Its purpose is to address housing issues and to make sure consumers are aware of housing choices on an equal opportunity basis. GKCHIC has taken the lead role in Comprehensive housing counseling education and services. HIC is an approved 501(c) 3 not-for-profit Missouri corporation, governed by a volunteer board of directors, which establishes policy. Administration of the agency is the responsibility of the executive director. Jackson County, Missouri, and City of Kansas City, Missouri, approved the Center for affirmative action compliance.