Love & community.
pamoja | (päh-mo’jah), Swahili Origin
community
doing things together.
agape | (ä-gä′pā), Greek Origin
love as revealed in Jesus Christ.
a humble, self-sacrificing love.
WHO WE ARE
Agape Pamoja is a 100% volunteer run non-profit organization that shows love and community to others. Agape is the Greek word for “love”. Pamoja is the Swahili word for “community” or “doing things together”. The purpose of Agape Pamoja is to help serve the multi-faceted needs of refugees from war-torn countries residing in Kansas City by providing housing assistance, educational support, food, clothing, life skills, community involvement, leadership development and other needs while intentionally doing life together. What noticeably sets Agape Pamoja apart is that it serves not only for the refugee community in need, but alongside them, which equips them to better thrive in American culture and removes multiple generations of acclimation to the States.
WHAT WE DO
The most visible part of Agape Pamoja’s mission is our Blessing Houses. As of Summer 2023 Agape Pamoja owns & operates 24 residentials properties including one duplex and one multi-plex known as Blessing Houses. Each home is strategically purchased, and renovations are made to significantly improve the home and the quality of life for the residents: kitchen, bathrooms, walls, flooring, and windows in good or excellent condition for practical, money-saving, and social use. Other additions may include basic furniture and dressers, with beds and study areas for students.
Residents are responsible for paying utilities with a potential savings of up to $300 each month with improved living conditions. The rent is about half of market value. Some families have had their rent lowered from $1200 down to $600, allowing them to save an additional $600 each month! In addition, 100% of the rent collected each month goes back into their neighborhood and community, as there are no paid staff. Agape Pamoja Blessing Houses provide the first safe haven that many refugees experience. These homes provide families a chance for stability so they can begin building a life on solid ground.
In addition to saving money each month, Agape Pamoja offers life skills for families depending on their family make-up and situation. These include areas such as budgeting, planning, organizing, and applying for college scholarships to name a few. We are together for weddings, celebrations, leadership events, and frequent trips outside of KC! When done correctly, it is transforming and life-changing for these families. The key is to share life experiences and cultural priorities with each other.
While the Blessing Houses are the most eye-catching part of what Agape Pamoja does, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Our relationship with the community starts with a home and from there flourishes into that of dear friends and family.
WHY WE DO BLESSING HOUSES
About 15 percent of refugees in Kansas City are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 1998, the “Great African War” began in Congo, resulting in 5.4 million deaths and scattering 2 million more throughout central Africa. Most of this group in Kansas City have spent 15 to 20 years in refugee camps with children born in multiple countries.
When families arrive in KC, they are provided a small 2-bedroom apartment in NEKC and provide three months of rent from the US government. Even though they live below poverty, with minimal government benefits, some families may earn enough to move into a nearby NEKC rental home. However, housing in this area is well-below acceptable living conditions with unusually high rent. Many of the major items, such as heat, lighting, water, windows, doors and appliances are broken or not maintained by landlords.
Low-income immigrants and refugee communities are considered a disenfranchised and under-served group in Kansas City. The median household income in this area is less than $24,000 per year. The combination of language, cultural differences, and low-income housing creates many barriers to access basic programs and institutions. To compound the problem, real-estate data collected over the last five years has shown that housing inventory has been reduced, home prices have increased, resulting in higher rent for medium to larger homes.
2024 PROGRAMS & iniatives
Our theme is ‘Twende’ which is Swahili for ‘Let’s Go’. This term is perfect for many aspects of what we do….. ‘Let’s go and live out what God has called us to!”, “Let’s go and have some fun!”, “Let’s go and serve others!’. However used, it shows that Agape Pamoja is love in action!
BLESSING HOUSES
Providing affordable housing for refugees in Kansas City is one of Agape Pamoja’s missions. On average, families save $900 per month in rent and utilities, plus Blessing Houses are furnished with basic furnishings and basics for organization. Most Blessing Houses experience a renovation time before families move in, providing the opportunity for Americans and refugees to do home renovations together.
Agape Pamoja Student Leader program
Helping students develop leadership skills is a key initiative for Agape Pamoja. Qualifying Middle and High School Students from the refugee community commit to this special program that assists them with education, leadership growth, life skills, driving lessons and even travel opportunities!
Students part of this program meet criteria to qualify and maintain their Student Leadership status. They are often academic forerunners in school as well as leaders for their sports team as well as in their community. Students develop skills and run with opportunities to lead themselves and others well.
The idea that “serving is a lifestyle, not an event” is practiced. While it is a requirement for students in this program to serve at least once a month with Agape Pamoja, most students serve numerous times each week!
Agape Pamoja Pals Program
Agape Pamoja Pals connects an American family or friend group with a Blessing House family to live life together. The program provides Americans the opportunity to experience & enjoy the many beautiful things of African culture through regular visits and conversations. Additionally, the Blessing House family enjoys new friendships and appreciates the experience & support from their pals as they navigate American systems and culture.
Families & friends in this program experience everyday life together such as homework or trips to the park as well as special milestones such as birthdays and holiday celebrations. Those in the Agape Pamoja Pals program often find new friends who eventually become like family.
Special Events
Events to celebrate, develop, and socialize are strategically planned throughout the year by Agape Pamoja for refugee youth. These include Gal’s & Guy’s Bible Studies, Galentine’s Parties, Super Bowl Parties, special trips (Guatemala, San Diego, Colorado, Kentucky, and more), church camps, weekly Summer Socials, Student Leader Training, Christmas activities, and New Year’s Eve parties.
There is something for everyone! Whether serving solo, with your family, or with your organization, Agape Pamoja provides an opportunity to make a difference in the Kansas City community.