A Comprehensive Response To Substance Use & Homelessness

Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the Heartland Center for Behavioral Change (HCBC) is a vital resource for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Through its integrated behavioral health services—offered at a single campus location at 1514 and 1534 Campbell Street—HCBC provides a continuum of care that includes Medical Withdrawal Management (detox), Inpatient Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment, Residential Support Services, and Intensive Outpatient Programming. These services are designed to meet people where they are and guide them through every stage of recovery.

Addressing A Critical Gap In Care

Over the years, HCBC has recognized a major gap in services—specifically, the difficulty in connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to long-term treatment following detoxification. Internal data shows that those with repeated detox visits are overwhelmingly homeless and uninsured. In fiscal year 2020 alone, nearly 90% of clients who required detox three or more times were unhoused. These individuals are at heightened risk for relapse and face numerous barriers to continued care, including lack of stable housing, transportation, and access to outpatient services.

The absence of residential support following detox often leads to a revolving door of emergency care. This is not only detrimental to individual recovery, but also extremely costly for the community. HCBC aims to bridge this gap by expanding residential and inpatient treatment options, thereby improving care continuity and reducing unnecessary emergency service use.

Who We Serve

The primary population served by HCBC includes uninsured and underinsured adults living in or near Jackson County—many of whom are experiencing homelessness and are in urgent need of behavioral health support. This population is concentrated in zip codes identified by KCHealthMatters.org as having significant health disparities, including high rates of substance use and limited access to care.

While HCBC welcomes clients from beyond Jackson County, its services are particularly targeted to local residents with the greatest needs and least resources. By focusing on this group, the organization can make the greatest impact on public health, safety, and overall community wellbeing.

A Data-Driven Response

Data informs every step of HCBC’s work. In fiscal year 2020, 58 individuals accounted for 196 detox admissions—an average of over three visits per person. Alarmingly, 100% of the 18 clients who had four or more detox episodes were homeless. These 58 individuals collectively required 726 days of care at a cost of nearly $300,000—all publicly funded.

Despite the substantial cost and clinical effort, fewer than 15% of these individuals successfully transitioned into further treatment. HCBC strongly believes this low engagement rate is due to the lack of residential support immediately after detox. With transitional housing and on-site treatment readily available, outcomes can improve dramatically—and costs can be significantly reduced.

The Impact Of Substance Use

Among clients served, alcohol remains the most common primary substance (56%), followed by methamphetamine (40%) and opioids (4%). Intravenous drug use was reported by 2% of this population. While these figures help shape program planning, they likely underestimate the full range of health challenges. Many clients present with co-occurring mental and physical health conditions that go unreported, as the detox program currently relies on self-disclosed information.

About 65% of clients are eligible for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), an evidence-based approach known to improve recovery outcomes. Yet only 8% of eligible individuals engage in MAT, highlighting another area where expanded support services—such as education, counseling, and residential stability—can increase participation and success.

Expanding Services In Eastern Jackson County

Currently, HCBC operates the only publicly funded detoxification program in Jackson County. However, demand continues to grow, while the number of detox beds has declined in recent years. To meet this need, HCBC is exploring ways to expand services into Eastern Jackson County. Doing so would improve geographic access to care and reduce service bottlenecks, especially for individuals in crisis who may not have the means to travel.

By increasing availability of crisis-oriented services, HCBC can enhance coordination of care, reduce repeat detox visits, and offer clients a true path to recovery. Expansion would also alleviate the strain on existing programs, freeing up resources for prevention, long-term treatment, and follow-up support.

Aligning With Public Health Trends

The need for comprehensive substance use treatment is consistent with state and national trends. The Missouri Statewide Homeless Study (2017) highlighted a troubling rise in the number of homeless individuals with substance use disorders—a trend that has persisted despite efforts to improve shelter and housing access.

Notably, the study also found a direct correlation between lack of shelter and increased rates of substance use, reinforcing the importance of stable housing as a key part of recovery. As detoxification services have diminished in Jackson County, the burden on programs like HCBC’s has only grown. The organization remains committed to meeting this challenge head-on, guided by evidence, compassion, and a deep understanding of the population it serves.

A Smarter Investment In Public Health

At an average cost of $409 per day for detox services, each four-day treatment episode totals approximately $1,635. For high-use clients, this adds up quickly—especially when follow-up care is lacking. HCBC’s proposed solution is simple but powerful: invest in transitional residential support and a true continuum of care. This approach reduces long-term costs, prevents relapse, and gives clients the structure they need to begin lasting recovery.

A Lifeline

Heartland Center for Behavioral Change is not just a treatment provider—it’s a lifeline for some of Kansas City’s most vulnerable residents. Through expanded services, strategic partnerships, and a focus on whole-person care, HCBC aims to close the gaps in the behavioral health system and offer real hope to those struggling with addiction and homelessness.

By investing in residential support and expanding access to detox and treatment services, HCBC is working to transform the lives of individuals—and the health of the entire community.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.