The Beehive Health and Housing Collaborative: 18 Years of Serving Those In Need
By Sean O’Byrne, Vice President, Downtown Council; Executive Director, Community Improvement Districts
It began eighteen years ago. That is when the Downtown Council (DTC) teamed up with human service providers to address the issue of homelessness in Downtown Kansas City. The goal was to provide all of the basic services a person would need to create a healthy lifestyle and obtain permanent housing.
In 2008, the DTC established the Downtown Kansas City Civic Ventures (DKCCV), a 501c3 corporation focused on assisting those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The goal was to purchase a building and provide services in close proximity to existing overnight shelters.
The Beehive
Care Beyond the Boulevard leads the service operations of The Beehive, providing a low barrier, comprehensive service for neighbors experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and economic hardship at The Beehive.
“By bringing together medical and dental care, behavioral health services, housing navigation, a collaborative of community partners, and digital access, in a welcoming space, The Beehive removes the barriers that often prevent people from accessing life-changing support,” says Jaynell “KK” Assmann, Founder and CEO of Care Beyond the Boulevard. “Guided by Care Beyond the Boulevard’s expertise in street outreach and care coordination, The Beehive serves as a trusted gateway to healing, housing, and stability.”
The Prospect KC
The Prospect KC, formerly Episcopal Community Services, has been serving hot, nutritious meals at the Beehive since 2010. “In 2025, every $1 invested in The Prospect KC generated approximately $2.34 in measurable community value through meals served, surplus food rescued, workforce training, and economic mobility,” said Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, Founder & Executive Director of The Prospect KC.
The Prospect KC additionally saw success in their Culinary Futures program, as in 2025, 22 adults & youth participated in Culinary Futures. 86% completed the 16‑week program, and 84% of graduates moved into jobs, externships, further training, or entrepreneurship, earning about $16.50 per hour with opportunities for benefits and advancement
“The Beehive works hard to ensure that human service needs of Downtown residents are met using best practices and to ensure a high quality of care and effectiveness of operation,” said Sean O’Byrne, DTC vice president. “An important goal of the collaboration is to provide a safe, accessible, daytime, multi-use facility to assist the homeless community in the delivery of services Downtown.”
If you would like to learn more about The Beehive or make a donation, contact Sean O’Byrne at sean@downtownkc.org.
