“Everyone deserves the dignity to be recognized and remembered.”
That was the sentiment behind a memorial service held at Frank Williams Outreach Center earlier this month. Staff from Kim Wilson Housing & Cross-Lines Community Outreach gathered with clients and other community members to remember more than two dozen houseless clients who passed away over the last two years.
Cierra Nixon, Senior Director of Housing & Homeless Services, placed an angel on a new memorial wall in memory of each client as their name was read aloud. In all, 25 angels were placed on the wall. Clients and staff took time to share stories and pay tribute to those who have passed.
For many of the individuals remembered that day, Frank Williams Outreach Center and Cross-Lines were places of safety, stability, and human connection. They were spaces where they were known by name, welcomed without judgment, and treated with compassion — instead of being defined by their housing status.
This memorial was not just about loss. It was about honoring lives and affirming a shared belief that every person deserves to be seen, known, and remembered. It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters and why dignity must always be at the center of how we serve.
The memory of these individuals, and our responsibility to do better for others in similar circumstances, is what continues to drive this work. It’s why we are actively partnering with Mayor Christal Watson and the Unified Government on short-term solutions, including plans for a shelter in Wyandotte County, and longer-term strategies to address homelessness in our community. These conversations have been thoughtful and encouraging, and I am optimistic about what we can accomplish together.
