On Wednesday, October 30th, a ribbon cutting marked the opening of the new Eastside Community Action Network (CAN) Center 3017 Prospect. Located just down the block from Community Builders of Kansas City’s KC Sun Fresh on Linwood, the center will offer police and other resources for the area that has been plagued by crime and mental health issues.
“This offers real, unique collaboration opportunities between the business owners, shoppers, the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) and the city of Kansas City,” said Melissa Patterson Hazley, 3rd District At-Large Councilwoman. “Business owners brought their concerns to (3rd District Councilwoman) Melissa Robinson and the city really stepped up and made it happen.”
Over two years in the making, the center celebrated its grand opening with the ribbon cutting and a press conference including remarks by Mayor Quinton Lucas, and Councilwomen Patterson Hazley and Robinson. The center will house numerous resources for the area, including two community interaction officers from the KCPD whose job is to build relationships with locals through initiatives like Shop with a Cop at the Sun Fresh and Coffee with a Cop that occur on most Wednesdays. The two officers are based out of the center and available to collaborate with community members on any issues that arise, file reports and partner with businesses, residents and neighborhood leaders to improve the area.
In addition to the police presence, staff from Greater Impact KC, a non-profit organization established in 2022 by the Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ, operate the center’s front desk and provide confidential resources for anyone needing crisis management, trauma treatment, male mentoring, workforce development and holistic recovery support.
Councilwoman Patterson Hazley said the center also houses a city code inspector to respond to issues like noise complaints and the Santa Fe Neighborhood Association has an office on site, providing a one-stop resource for people in the area.
“The goal of the center is to lower crime, improve the overall safety and quality of the neighborhood and connect people to services they need,” said Councilwoman Patterson Hazley.
CAN centers have been around for more than 30 years with nine others covering every geographic region of the city. The centers were developed as part of the city’s Community Policing Initiative and have a variety of partners including Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the city’s Neighborhood Services Division.
“Kansas City has invested over $100,000 in this center through the lease agreement and construction, so we look forward to seeing the positive influence it has on the area,” said Councilwoman Patterson-Hazley.