The 49/63 CAN Center

The 49/63 Community Action Network Center opened its doors on June 1st, 1994.  Police records and previous needs assessments indicated that the issues of crime and drug use were major concerns throughout Kansas City, including 49/63 - the coalition's boundaries included had many hot spots requiring immediate attention.

Funding for a COMBAT (Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax) Coordinator was awarded to the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition in January, 1993, and this funding added to the desirability of having a CAN Center in 49/63.  The COMBAT grant provided the focal point for effective CAN Center Activities.

The CAN Center staff, the COMBAT Coordinator and the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition are housed together and stay closely coordinated, which adds to the effectiveness of all neighborhood efforts.

The 49/63 CAN Center is funded by the city for operating supplies, rent assistance and other special needs.  Two police officers from the Metro Patrol Division are assigned to spend the major part of their time policing the neighborhood, and engaging in problem-solving dialogues with residents on quality-of-life issues.  Their hours are usually daytimes from Monday through Thursday.

Kansas City's Neighborhood Preservation division has assigned a codes enforcement officer to the 49/63 CAN Center, and while the codes officer can also have assignments outside the neighborhood, they are "officed" to the CAN Center and concentrate most of their efforts within the 49/63 area.

Residents volunteer through the CAN Center in a variety of ways.  Many work closely with the codes officer, and others work closely with the police officers and the COMBAT coordinator.

The CAN Center office phone voice mail is checked frequently during the day and most evenings and week-ends.

For all emergency calls, of course, call 911

The CAN Center number is 816-333-4963