Who They Are & What They Do
Hillcrest Transitional Housing of Eastern Jackson County is a nationally recognized nonprofit with a mission to break the cycle of homelessness by offering more than just shelter. Unlike short-term housing programs, Hillcrest provides families, individuals, and youth with a structured 90-day program in fully furnished, rent- and utility-free apartments. During this time, participants receive personalized case management, life-skills training, employment support, and financial education to help them achieve long-term independence.
Hillcrest believes that homelessness isn’t just a lack of housing—it’s a lack of opportunity and resources. Their program provides both, giving families the foundation they need to build a stronger future and empowering them to leave homelessness behind for good.
Their Impact
For more than 37 years, Hillcrest has been a cornerstone of hope for families in need. Each year, the program graduates around 42 families, with remarkable outcomes: 95% of graduates achieve self-sufficiency upon completion, and over 80% remain stable five years later. In 2023 alone, Hillcrest served 1,770 individuals, a 26% increase from the previous year, showing both the growing need and the organization’s ability to respond.
The impact is especially powerful for children. About 75% of families in the program are single mothers with two to three children, which reflects a difficult reality: in Kansas City, 53% of the homeless population are children, with an average age of just seven years old. By helping parents stabilize, Hillcrest directly changes the future for the next generation.
How Donors Support Families
Donors and volunteers are at the heart of Hillcrest’s success. Contributions help cover housing, case management, and critical resources like food, clothing, and transportation. Hillcrest is also known for stretching donor support further: with the help of more than 500 annual volunteers and professionals who donate their services—such as doctors, dentists, mechanics, and educators—every $1 donated is leveraged into $10 worth of services.
Support goes beyond dollars, too. Volunteers provide budget counseling, sort donations, stock the thrift store (which directly supports the housing program), and create welcome baskets for families entering the program. Every act of giving, whether time or money, helps restore stability and hope for families in crisis.
Success Stories
The true measure of Hillcrest’s impact can be seen in the lives it transforms.
Robin's Story
Robin’s journey, featured in Hillcrest’s “Hillcrest Transforms Lives” video, shows that homelessness doesn’t always look like what people imagine. It’s not only someone standing on a corner with a sign—it can also be working people doing their best but still unable to make ends meet. Before Hillcrest, Robin was working hard but couldn’t provide stable housing for her family. The weight of bills, unexpected challenges, and limited resources left her feeling trapped and overwhelmed.
When she came to Hillcrest, Robin was given more than just shelter. She and her family moved into a furnished apartment where they no longer had to worry about where they would sleep at night. With the support of case managers, she learned how to budget, gained financial skills, and participated in life-skills training that equipped her for the future. Just as importantly, she was surrounded by encouragement and accountability that helped her rebuild her confidence.
By the time Robin graduated, she had gained control of her finances, set meaningful goals, and established a stable foundation for her family. Her story proves that homelessness can happen to anyone—even hardworking people—but with the right support, dignity can be restored and independence regained. Robin’s transformation is living proof of Hillcrest’s mission in action.
Lee’s Summit Subaru: A Hometown Charity
Since 2008, Lee’s Summit Subaru has contributed more than $263,000 to Hillcrest, directly funding housing and support services for families in need. Through the Subaru Share the Love® Event, we donate $75 for every new vehicle sold or leased and $5 for every routine service visit, turning everyday business into meaningful change.
One of our favorite times of the year is the holiday season, when we partner with Hillcrest to adopt families and make their celebrations a little brighter. It’s a joy to see our staff come together to provide meaningful gifts for deserving families. Last year, our employees contributed $3,000 to this effort—building on a tradition of $2,000 in donations each year prior.
In February 2025, through the Subaru Loves to Help® initiative, we also provided 120 winter coats to Hillcrest families, helping ensure children could stay warm and cared for through the colder months.
These efforts aren’t just numbers—they represent real change for families right here in Lee’s Summit. Every dollar, every coat, and every act of support helps a parent find hope and a child find stability. Together with Hillcrest, we’re committed to showing how powerful it is when a community comes together to transform lives.