Outreach

General information about the Cathedral R.A.M.P. Program

What is the purpose of the program?
The Cathedral Rental Assistance and Mortgage Payments program provides access to rent and mortgage assistance for those in need in our community.

What types of assistance are we providing?
Direct assistance focuses on rent and mortgage payments. In cases where we cannot help or more help is needed, we will also provide referral services to other sources of assistance. Finally, we will also refer individuals to the clergy for spiritual counseling as appropriate.

Where and when does the program operate?
The program operates from the Multipurpose Room on the lower level of Founders’ Hall. Clients should enter from the Broadway entrance near the entrance to the KCCK. We are open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. If you are coming for assistance, you should arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

What is necessary for someone to qualify for assistance?
People requesting assistance must provide proof of identity and a verifiable need that we can assist with.

Information for R.A.M.P. volunteers

We are always looking for volunteers for this worthwhile program. Here are answers to some basic questions. If you have more comprehensive questions, feel free to contact us.

How much time will I need to give?
Volunteers work 2-1/2 to 3 hours once a month on Thursday mornings. You do not need to be there every time. We hope to have enough volunteers that we can accommodate flexible scheduling needs.

What special skills should I have?
Only a desire to help! We will train you. You need to provide only a willingness to help, and an ability to interact effectively with our clients — individuals in our community who are in need.

What will I be doing?
You will talk with clients and discuss their needs, make decisions about providing them with assistance, and refer them to other sources of assistance, including our clergy. You will be a friend in Christ.

What kind of training will I receive?
You will get “on-the-job” training from our team.

Who do I contact to get involved or to find out more information?
Call Sandra Hornbeck at (913) 669-1174 or the Cathedral office, (816) 474-8260 or e-mail the Social Action Committee.

Stories from our program

“J” is a client who recently visited our housing assistance program. She works full time, but is one of the “working poor“ who live on the edge financially. She was recently pushed over the edge by major repairs needed on the transmission of the car that gets her to and from her job. In many cases, there simply is no room in the budget for unexpected expenses such as this. She was referred to us, and we were able to help her with a partial payment to keep her in her current housing.

“C” is another client whom the program recently assisted. She is on a fixed income of social security and disability for the blind. Some recent medical expenses put her rental housing at risk, and we were able to assist her as well. These are the type of people this program assists.