With dangerously cold temperatures set to hit Kansas City this weekend, Unity Southeast—a local church that has operated a winter shelter for six years—has sounded the alarm that its capacity may be overwhelmed.

Demand expected to surge

Rev. Randy Fikki, who leads the shelter, explained that the church serves on a first‑come, first‑served basis and anticipates the number of people seeking a bed could rise from the usual 30‑40 to as many as 80‑100. “Every additional bed can make a life‑saving difference,” he said, emphasizing that each spot could mean the difference between life and death in sub‑freezing conditions.

Funding shortfall hampers response

Despite the projected increase, Unity Southeast has not received the additional resources it needs. The church is still awaiting city funding and questions why a comprehensive emergency shelter plan has not been put in place ahead of the cold snap. “It is really mind‑boggling that we are going to have freezing temperatures this weekend and there is no active emergency plan for where our unhoused are going to go,” Fikki remarked.

The city has indicated it will make about 400 beds available in the coming weeks, but Rev. Fikki warned that timeline does not address the immediate need as temperatures begin to drop.

Community call for help

While city assistance is pending, the church is urging local residents to donate essential items such as coats, sweaters, and other warm clothing. “I bet everybody watching this show probably has a coat in their closet or a sweater they haven’t worn. Bring them to me,” Fikki said, promising to distribute donations to those most in need.

Unity Southeast hopes that community contributions, combined with any forthcoming municipal support, will help keep vulnerable residents safe through the bitter cold.

Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.