Kansas Citian and Bodhi resident Geno put it best: “Living here, I’ve just been blessed and I’m so grateful—and I love how they are helping people here.”
Residents and partners gathered together Tuesday afternoon in Kansas City, MO to officially open Bodhi Kansas City—the area’s newest affordable and supportive housing community.
Located at 3840 Jackson Avenue, the new development transformed an unused parcel into 6 two-story buildings that provides 45 homes to the area.
“Delivering housing to those at the greatest risk is necessary, now more than ever. Bodhi KC is an example of our community working together—to not just provide homes, but life-changing support and opportunities for fellow Kansas Citians,” said Heather Bradley-Geary, Director of Supportive Housing for Vecino.
After remarks from development partners—kicked-off by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas—there was a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Visitors were then given a tour of the Bodhi amenity areas, model unit, and grounds.
“I remember—not long ago—when we all were up there for the groundbreaking,” said Mayor Lucas, gesturing past the neighborhood’s newly constructed retaining wall up the hill. “We all had a dream—and today, it is KC reality.”
Led by national affordable and supportive housing developer Vecino™, the Bodhi team includes Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), the City of KCMO, SAVE Inc, and the Mental Health Association of the Heartland.
Within the development’s mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes, 40 units are a set at affordability levels from 30% to 60% Area Median Income—with 12 of these set aside for individuals with a mental illness diagnosis. Mental Health Association of the Heartland will have on-site staff offering free, multi-disciplinary services designed to support residents and their well-being through life skills classes, health and wellness classes, employment workforce training. The remaining 5 units at Bodhi are market rate.
Onsite resident amenities include a clubhouse featuring a community room and galley kitchen, entertainment lounge, shuffleboard and games, a business center, plus onsite leasing and services offices. Raised-bed gardens add a touch of nature while offering moments to connect, surrounded by floral-themed murals that brighten the community. Every amenity at Bodhi KC has been intentionally designed to bring people together.
“This is all about growth and enlightenment,” Geno also shared. “I believe in helping with the little things—and I believe in showing people we’re going to make it. Bodhi has already done wonders for that.”
In addition to its gardens, greenspace and walking paths, the 3.76 acre site is within a short walk of Seven Oaks Park. The name “Bodhi” is inspired from Bodhisattva—the term for enlightenment—and both the location and design intent is to deliver calm and comfort to neighborhood.
The $16.3 million development was made possible through tax credit support and HOME funds from the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), Kansas City Housing Trust Fund, HOME funds and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the City of Kansas City Missouri, Construction and Permanent Loan from Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, and Tax Credit Syndication from Raymond James and Sugar Creek Capital.
