Amethyst Place—Kansas City’s long-term supportive housing program for women and children recovering from generational poverty, substance use, and trauma—will celebrate a massive expansion June 27 that slashes its wait list.
The organization will cut the ribbon at 10 a.m. on 32 new housing units at 2750 Tracy Avenue, increasing housing capacity by 86 percent. The $16 million project brings Amethyst Place to 69 total units across its two Midtown campuses.
All 32 new units—25 apartments and seven townhomes—come fully furnished and subsidized to maintain affordability. Dozens of families have been waiting up to a year in a backlog for housing.
“Often in that time, children are in foster care and separated from their mom because she doesn’t have a safe place to go,” says Lauren Clifton-Thompson, director of development at Amethyst Place. “With the affordable housing crisis in Kansas City, we wanted to be a part of the solution.”
Since 2000, Amethyst Place has served 400 families, including 767 children. The expansion allows them to serve approximately 300 women and children annually, nearly double their previous capacity.
Founded 25 years ago when KC leaders saw women leaving short-term treatment only to return to environments where addiction began, Amethyst Place offers something different: families stay as long as needed, averaging 28 months, all while receiving wrap-around support services.
“They’re learning those skills that often were broken or never established just because of the background of trauma that they’ve experienced,” Clifton-Thompson explained.
The women served average 30 years old with two children under seven, surviving on less than $10,000 annually. Nine in 10 have both substance abuse and mental health diagnoses. Most lack high school diplomas. Many experienced foster care as children themselves.
While living at Amethyst Place, residents receive therapy, case management, job training, and youth programs. The majority of residents work or are in school and pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent.
“For many of them, they’ve been in survival mode for a long time,” says Clifton-Thompson. “Getting here, they have the opportunity to get settled and know that they have a community.”
Private donors purchased the Tracy Avenue land for $500,000 in 2021. The city’s housing department also recommended that Amethyst Place receive funding from HUD’s Housing Trust Fund, due to the organization’s work to prevent homelessness. Women arrive through referral partners, including ReDiscover, Sheffield Place, and Children’s Mercy.
The ribbon cutting will feature remarks from Executive Director Starla Brennan and city officials, followed by open house tours and refreshments from Ruby Jean’s Juicery.
“We hope to have this as a national model to copy for other nonprofits to take notice and take the lead in this effort,” Clifton-Thompson says.
Even after families move on, they can return for services including the food pantry, therapy, and youth programs—support that continues for life.
To volunteer, donate furniture or contribute financially, visit amethystplace.org. The organization needs mentors, tutors, and volunteers to help support the incoming families.
