U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced $225,000 in federal grant funding will go to the Westside Housing Organization, Inc. to develop and preserve affordable housing, revitalize and sustain neighborhoods and create good-paying jobs in Kansas City.
Cleaver said that since the beginning of his career, he has worked toward improving access to affordable housing and the revitalization of vibrant communities.
“The programs of Westside Housing Organization have proven to be exemplary and are precisely the kind of work needed to rebuild underserved neighborhoods into thriving communities. I’m proud to have supported this federal funding, and I look forward to working with the Westside Housing Organization to expand access to affordable, sustainable housing throughout Kansas City,” said Congressman Cleaver.
Westside Housing Organization, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation that focuses on rebuilding and revitalizing communities in Kansas City with particular emphasis on robust sustainable neighborhoods.
In 2020, the nonprofit helped more than 100 people with home repairs. There are just over 300 residents in Westside Housing’s affordable units, which average a rent of $642 per month.
The grant comes from the NeighborWorks America program, which was started by Congress in 1978 to help create communities of opportunity. There are currently 250 local and regional nonprofit partners in the NeighborWorks America organization. Initiatives include providing solutions to community development and affordable housing challenges through financial and grant support in addition to more technical assistance.