Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.
Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R. is a collaborative program between the City of Independence, the Community Services League (CSL), and MoDOT. It focuses on two important goals: helping residents experiencing housing instability and maintaining a clean and beautiful community.
Through the program, individuals who are unhoused or in unstable housing situations are hired to clean up litter and debris along key roads in Independence. This not only supports beautification efforts—it also provides meaningful, paid work and a path toward housing stability.
What T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R. Stands For
Together Opportunities Grow Everyone To Help Empower Resiliency
Launched with a $100,000 grant in March 2023, this initiative targets major roadways and areas near parks and historic sites. Cleanup crews focus on busy corridors such as:
- 24 Hwy., Truman Rd., M-78, I-70, 40 Hwy., 35th St., and 39th St.
- Blue Ridge Blvd., Sterling Ave., Noland Rd., Lee's Summit Rd., and M-291.
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FAQ's about Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.
Participants earn $12 per hour for their work, and an additional $ 3 per hour is set aside in a housing savings account. After every 100 hours worked, participants can allocate $300 toward housing-related expenses, such as rent, utilities, deposits, or temporary stays. Additionally, participants receive safety gear, including high-visibility vests, all necessary cleanup supplies, and meals during shifts.
The program employs a supported employment model, enabling participants to increase their hours as they develop work stamina gradually. Why? When individuals have been out of work for an extended period of time, re-entering the workforce can be challenging. Finding work can be even more difficult for those who are unhoused or experiencing unstable housing. The Independence TOGETHER program was designed to address both barriers.
- Anyone living on the streets or in their car
- Anyone living temporarily in a hotel or motel
- Anyone ‘couch surfing’ with friends or family
- Anyone living in a half-way or sobriety house
- Anyone in a CSL transitional housing program
- Anyone with disabilities
- Unaccompanied minors
We don’t want people to be on the Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R. team forever. Our long-term goal is to help workers transition to permanent full-time jobs when they’re ready. There may be full-time options available with the City of Independence, MoDOT, other employers in janitorial work, environmental services, general construction/laborer, job site cleanup, and many other jobs that employees will be well-prepared to access after receiving on-the-job training through the program.