The Kahana House opened in February in south Kansas City, Missouri. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Artists Helping the Homeless, the house hosts approximately 16 people at any given time while working to bridge gaps in homeless services.

Artist Kar Woo first became acquainted with Kansas City’s homeless community after moving his art gallery from Leawood to the Plaza in 2008.

He began by selling his work to feed the homeless and letting them in his gallery to use the restroom.

According to Woo, he became a voice for Kansas City’s unhoused community in citywide talks about an increase in homelessness.

He’s since left behind art to dedicate his life to helping the homeless.

“I work seven days a week, 12-15 hours a day every day for the past 15 years, 17 years, nonstop,” he said.