Our Spot KC

Our Spot KC stands as a transformative community anchor and human services organization dedicated to providing safe housing, life-saving resources, and affirming social connection for LGBTQ+ individuals across the Kansas City metropolitan region, spanning both Kansas and Missouri. Established in 2016 by community advocate Starzette Palmer, the nonprofit emerged from an urgent need to create dedicated, affirming spaces for queer, transgender, and gender-diverse community members, particularly LGBTQ+ people of color facing systemic discrimination, family rejection, and housing instability.

Housing equity serves as the centerpiece of the organization's mission. Through its signature Lion House residential initiative, Our Spot KC operates comprehensive housing programs encompassing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing navigation. Lion House offers a secure, dignity-affirming environment where LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and older community members fleeing homelessness find stability. Residents work alongside trauma-informed case managers to establish personal goals, access mental health support, build daily independent living skills, and transition into sustainable, permanent community housing. Program participants receive access to daily nutritious meals, hygiene supplies, and transportation assistance while navigating lease agreements with affirming property managers.

To combat the escalating threat of homelessness before displacement occurs, the organization administers emergency rent and utility assistance for regional households facing housing crises. Caseworkers assist clients with housing search assistance, landlord mediation, and state benefit applications, providing critical stabilizing relief during times of acute financial vulnerability. The center also provides essential basic needs supplies, including personal care items, food pantry assistance, and gender-affirming resources that support individual wellness and bodily dignity.

Direct community programming and wellness are centered at the organization's navigation facility on East 80th Street in Kansas City. The center hosts a diverse calendar of peer-led discussion groups, identity-affirming social circles, and creative workshops where participants find belonging, mutual encouragement, and intergenerational mentorship. Specialized discussion groups provide compassionate, facilitator-guided spaces for transgender and nonbinary individuals, LGBTQ+ parents, and youth transitioning from foster care, fostering emotional healing and peer solidarity. A community resource room provides free computer stations, internet access, an affirming clothing exchange, and emergency supplies. In addition, a dedicated multimedia content studio and event space offer accessible technology and meeting rooms for local grassroots creators, artists, and neighborhood organizers.

Beyond daily direct care, Our Spot KC functions as a vital cultural organizer and regional educator. The nonprofit organizes KC PrideFest, Kansas City's largest annual LGBTQ+ celebration, which brings together tens of thousands of community members, local businesses, and civic institutions for festival parades, artisan marketplaces, youth zones, and free public health screenings. The agency also provides tailored diversity training and technical assistance for corporations, educational institutions, and healthcare systems seeking to implement inclusive policies and affirming customer care. Individuals seeking housing assistance or peer connection can contact the navigation center directly or submit an inquiry online.