On October 8th and 18th, DI Volunteers headed out after work to serve the homeless in Kansas City, MO through an organization called Uplift. The Uplift Organization is now in their 25th year of service to the homeless, and serves approximately 600 people per week. Uplift volunteers are a diverse group of individuals united by the common desire to show care for, and serve individuals in need.

“We do not receive State or Federal funding,” stated Kathy Dean from Uplift. “We are 100 percent volunteer. From our board of directors and leadership team to the individuals coming to experience Uplift for the first time, we have no paid staff.”

The organization’s purpose is simple: deliver hot food, basic clothing, hygiene and miscellaneous supplies to the homeless individuals living under highway bridges, in abandoned buildings, camped along wooded areas following the Missouri River, and various other areas of our city.

“It was an incredibly eye opening experience – thanks for giving all of us an opportunity to be involved. I’d love to volunteer again.” Kelly McConnell expressed.

“It was humbling, rewarding, and up-lifting. I’m so glad I volunteered! I also got to hang out with some great DI people”, said Alex Divine.

The experience was so great that we are looking at other ways to help Uplift’s cause during the Holiday’s this year.