Why This Event Matters

Gather the restless and the hopeful—those who believe that faith must move beyond belief, those who believe that pretty words and ideas must move into bold action for justice, healing, and peace.

Who Should Register

Are you someone who cares deeply about your neighborhood, your city, or simply the people around you? The Peace Colloquy on Houselessness and Kansas City Action is for you. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, an activist, a faith leader, a policymaker, or simply a curious neighbor—your presence matters. This is a space where we come together not as experts or strangers, but as fellow human beings committed to listening, learning, and working toward peace and justice in our communities.

If you’ve ever asked, What can I do?—this colloquy offers a place to begin. If you want to understand the systems that lead to houselessness, hear real stories from those directly impacted, and explore tangible ways to respond together, this gathering is for you. There are no prerequisites, only a willingness to engage and a hope for a better world.

Peace on earth begins with knowing one another. When we learn from each other—across difference and in shared purpose—we build the kind of community where everyone belongs. Join us. Let’s discover the power of connection, deepen our understanding, and take collective steps toward justice. This is your invitation to be part of something meaningful.

Register

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

FRIDAY: Opening & Framing the Conversation (Build Bridges)

1:00 – 3:00 PM | Pre-Event Set Up

Facilitator and Volunteer Check in (temple lobby)

      Community Fair Exhibitor Table Set Up (temple lobby)


3:00 – 6:15 PM | Registrant Check-In Open & Community Fair (temple lobby)


4:30 – 6:00 PM | Welcome Dinner – Community Services League (Stone Church)


6:15 – 8:00 PM | Opening Session: “Why Are We Here?” (Temple Sanctuary)


8:00 – 9:30 PM | Spencer LaJoye Concert Under the Spiral (Temple Sanctuary)

 

SATURDAY: Deep Learning & Action Planning (Amplify Voices)

7:00 AM | Doors Open 


7:30 – 8:15 AM | Community Gathering Opportunities

Sacred Flow Yoga (World Peace Plaza – Jenny Lowndes)

       Coffee & Chill (Temple Lobby – Kinship Coffee) 

       Meditation & Journal Space (Temple Meditation Chapel) 


8:00 – 9:00 AM | Community Fair Open (Temple lobby)


9:00 – 9:30 AM | Welcome & Land Acknowledgement  (Temple Sanctuary) 


9:45 – 11:15 AM | Breakout Sessions – Understanding the Issue (Choose One) 

How to Engage Local Government & Policy Advocacy (Councilmember Bridget McCandless) – Lecture Hall

Houselessness & Policy: Mobilizing Your Congregation (Aileen Ball) – Theatre 1

An Approach Rooted in Restoring Dignity: Context & Sacred Story (Heidi R) – Theatre 2


11:00 | Snack Room Open (temple lobby)

(Option to eat on site and join Lunch & Learns or go off site for lunch)


11:30 – 12:45 PM | Lunch & Learns: Open Space Conversations – Affinity Groups around Temple

A Survivor’s Sacred Story (Temple Meditation Chapel) – Laura Schlenker

An Artist’s Sacred Story (Shalom Place) – Kar Woo

A Prevention Coordinator’s Perspective (Temple Lunch Room) – Josh Henges

(required to provide your own packed lunch)

 

1:00 – 2:30 PM | Breakout Sessions – Community-Based Solutions (Choose One)

“Housing First”: What Does It Mean (Josh Henges) – Theatre 1

The Whole Person: No Singular Problem. No Singular Solution (Eric Burger) – Theatre 2

The Role of the Arts & Storytelling in Advocacy (Kar Woo) – Lecture Hall

 

2:30 – 4:00 PM | Case Studies & Interactive Workshops (Choose One)

Building Coalitions Across Faith & Secular Communities (Richard Betts) – Theatre 1

From Charity to Justice: Sustainable Solutions (Stephanie Boyer) – Theatre 2

Advocacy via Social Media: Barriers & Pathways (Colby Carlson) – Lecture Hall


4:00 – 4:30 PM | Break

(Snack Room open)


4:30 – 5:30 PM | Small Group Action Labs: Creating Solutions (Choose One)

Call Your Representative (Emily Rose) – Lecture Hall

Reuse Plastic Bags for Sleep Mats (Cheron Tiffany) – Shalom Place

Street Medicine 101 (John Borel)  – Theatre 2

Mutual Aid Mapping (Poul Wilson) – Theatre 1

 

5:30 – 9:00 PM | Community Meal & Evening Program (World Peace Plaza)

(Bring blankets/camping chairs)


9:15 – 10:30 PM | Documentary Screenings/Hangout Conversation Spaces

“Lead Me Home” (Theatre 1)

“KC Series” – 2 episodes (Theatre 2)

Conversation Space (Meditation Chapel)

 

SUNDAY: Commitment & Call to Action (Take Action)

7:00 AM | Doors Open


8:00 – 8:45 AM | Community Gathering Opportunities

Sacred Flow Yoga (World Peace Plaza – Jenny Lowndes)

Coffee & Chill (Temple Lobby – Kinship Coffee)

Meditation & Journal Space (Temple Meditation Chapel)


9:00 – 10:30 AM | Closing Session: Where Do We Go from Here? (Temple Sanctuary)


10:30 – 11:30 AM | Community Reflection (Temple Sanctuary)