Congressman Cleaver Visits Heroes Home Gate Campus, Presents $850,000 Federal Investment to Support Homeless Veterans

(Kansas City, MO) - On Monday, June 15th, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) visited Footprints, Inc.'s Heroes Home Gate Campus and formally presented a ceremonial check recognizing the $850,000 federal investment he secured to expand the transitional housing program serving homeless veterans in the Kansas City region.

The funding will support the expansion of Heroes Home Gate Campus, allowing Footprints, Inc. to increase its capacity to provide safe housing, supportive services, and career development opportunities for veterans working to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness.

"After serving our country in uniform, no veteran should have to wonder where they will sleep at night," said Congressman Cleaver. "Heroes Home Gate Campus is doing the critical work of helping veterans reconnect with their families, improve their physical and mental health, and achieve long-term housing stability. This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that those who defended our nation have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve."

The expanded facility will provide additional space and programming designed to help veterans successfully transition to independent living. Through housing assistance, workforce development, counseling, and other supportive services, the facility helps veterans overcome barriers and build a foundation for lasting success.

"At Heroes Home Gate, we are committed to helping veterans move from crisis and uncertainty to stability, purpose, and independent living," said Joel Bailey, Executive Director. "Through a holistic approach that goes far beyond providing housing, we provide veterans with the resources, skills, support, and opportunities needed to achieve long-term success. From case management and life skills development, to wellness programs, recreational activities, and community engagement, every aspect of our program is designed to foster healing, connection, and personal growth. We believe that true transformation happens when veterans not only have a safe place to live, but also a supportive community where they can rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and create a foundation for a brighter future. Our greatest purpose and success is seeing veterans regain independence, achieve their goals, and thrive in the community they served to protect."

During the visit, Representative Cleaver toured the campus alongside Footprints, Inc. leadership and staff, learned more about the organization's latest work, and discussed the impact the federal funding will have on veterans throughout the region.

"Organizations like Footprints, Inc. demonstrate what is possible when communities invest in people. Federal funding should make a tangible difference in people's lives, and this project is a perfect example of how strategic investments can strengthen our communities while honoring and upholding the dignity of those most vulnerable," said Congressman Cleaver.

The $850,000 investment was secured through the Community Project Funding process and is part of Representative Cleaver's ongoing efforts to bring federal resources back to the Missouri's Fifth Congressional District to support housing, economic opportunity, and services for vulnerable populations. Since Fiscal Year 2022, Congressman Cleaver has secured nearly$109,000,000 in federal investments for local projects throughout the Fifth Congressional District.

Photos from the visit are available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.