PLATTE COUNTY COMMISSION

KATHY DUSENBERY BETTY KNIGHT JIM PLUNKETT

1ST DISTRICT COMMISSIONER PRESIDING COMMISSIONER 2ND DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dana Babcock

Date: May 6, 2010 816.858.2232 dbabcock@co.platte.mo.us

Homelessness Task Force Appointments

1st District Platte County Commissioner, Kathy Dusenbery, and Platte County Public
Administrator, Terry Edwards, were recently appointed by Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser to
the Homelessness Task Force.
Platte County joins forces with Kansas City, Jackson County and Johnson County (KS) with
the goal of finding viable solutions to end homelessness. The number of homeless individuals and
families continue to grow. Since 2007, local United Way 2-1-1 calls for services related to
homelessness indicate a 45% increase in needs.
“We are delighted with the representation from Platte County,” commented Nancy Leazer,
Chief of Staff, Homelessness Task Force. “Commissioner Kathy Dusenbery and Public
Administrator Terry Edwards will be great assets to the Homelessness Task Force as we endeavor
to end homelessness in the metropolitan area. I know they will bring resources from Platte County
to the table as we deliberate this issue. It is important to understand that homelessness does not
know political boundaries but is a serious issue we face today.”
Homelessness Task Force members are appointed by the mayor and report quarterly to the
Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee. The task force will develop a plan addressing issues,
strategies & funding options associated with homelessness in the Kansas City area.
Commissioner Dusenbery currently serves as Platte County’s representative at the Missouri
Association of Counties; Mid-America Regional Council’s Air Quality Committee Co-Chair; and,
board member for Park Hill Education Foundation.
Edwards serves as Tri-County Mental Health Services’ Vice Chair; recently voted President
of the Missouri Association of Public Administrators for Missouri; and, meets monthly with the
Metropolitan Mental Health Stakeholders.
For additional information regarding “Homelessness Task Force Appointments” please
contact Dana Babcock, Platte County Director of Administration at (816) 858-2232.

415 Third Street, Suite 105###

 Platte City, Missouri 64079
Phone: (816) 858-2232  Fax: (816) 858-3329  www.co.platte.mo.us