Affordable Housing & Homelessness News: December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Welcome to the Affordable Housing & Homelessness E-newsletter!

In this edition we’ll explore:

  • Homeless Response Team (HRT) outcomes through 12/13
  • Average bed night data through 12/14
  • Keeping seniors in safe and affordable housing
  • Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan
  • Partner Pulse: Lawrence Community Shelter volunteering and care kits
  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications 



Homeless Response Team outcomes through 12/13

The Homeless Response Team (HRT) continues to make significant strides in addressing homelessness by meeting individuals where they are, focusing on building trust and rapport. By offering a sense of safety and security, the HRT has empowered many individuals who are unsheltered to seek out additional resources, such as the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS). This approach has allowed LCS to rebuild trust with those it serves.
 
The recent “no vacancy” status at the Lawrence Community Shelter is a powerful example of this progress. It highlights the success of the HRT’s efforts in fostering relationships, as more individuals are now confident enough to access services they might have once been hesitant to approach.

This development underscores the importance of trust-building efforts, not only within the shelter itself but across the entire network of community providers working together to support the unsheltered population.

Bed Night Data Across Local Emergency Shelters through 12/14
As we hit the halfway point in December, data shows an increased average of 167 occupied beds nightly across the three emergency shelter locations, leaving an average of less than 10 beds available. Emergency shelter utilization increased from 83.5% at the end of November to 95.6% in mid-December. 

The current total number of available emergency shelter beds per night across Lawrence is 175. The graph above shows the average number of individuals in beds across the three emergency shelter programs through December 14. 

  • Continuous Stay: The 30 beds available as part of the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) Program where individuals can connect with case management and find housing while staying at LCS.
  • The Village: A semi-permanent emergency shelter with 50 beds opened in mid-March 2024 where individuals are assigned to a cabin and connected with services in a support village setting. 
  • Night-by-Night: 95 beds for individuals who stay at LCS from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.



Shower accessibility modification done by Independence, Inc.

Keeping seniors in safe and affordable housing
As housing costs continue to rise, the impact isn’t just felt by younger generations. Seniors across America are increasingly being priced out of their homes and struggling to afford specialized senior housing. Many are also forced to remain in homes that no longer meet their mobility needs—whether it’s a bathtub that’s too high to step into or stairs that prevent them from easily leaving their front door.

Fortunately, in our community, we have organizations dedicated to addressing these challenges. The City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund plays a critical role by providing funding to organizations and projects that benefit both low-income senior housing projects and home modifications that help seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes.

For the 2025 funding cycle, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund awarded $75,000 to Independence, Inc. for their Accessible Housing Program, which helps make essential modifications to keep low-income seniors and people with disabilities in their homes. Similarly, the Senior Resource Center received $25,000 to support accessibility improvements for low-income seniors in Douglas County.

Together, we can ensure that people are able to stay in homes that meet their needs.

How can I track movement on affordable housing in Lawrence?

Affordable Housing Advisory Board Meetings/Notes
Stay in the loop by attending Advisory Board meetings! These sessions are a great opportunity to hear updates, share your thoughts, and see firsthand how we’re making progress in affordable housing.



Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan
As winter weather sets in, the focus of the Homeless Response Team (HRT) and other service organizations will shift toward ensuring the safety and well-being of people experiencing homelessness in our community. While camp closures may take a backseat for now, our primary goal is to keep individuals warm and sheltered.

The City of Lawrence and Douglas County have worked together with community partners to develop the 2024/2025 Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan, which aims to save lives and provide essential resources to those in need during extreme weather conditions.

For this winter, several emergency shelter sites will be available to ensure the safety and comfort of individuals experiencing homelessness. The Lawrence Community Shelter will expand to serve 140 people nightly and will be the primary winter shelter. 

Overflow shelters will not be open to guests until the plan is officially activated. Each overflow shelter (listed below) can serve up to 25 guests, ages 18+, nightly.

  • First United Methodist Church
  • University Community of Christ 
  • Jesus Community Church of the Nazarene (pets accommodated)
  • Lawrence First Church 

The Safe Shelter website has been updated and will reflect whether the overflow shelters have been activated. This website, among other resources, will be a resource for the community during the winter months. 

Interested in Volunteering?
The City of Lawrence is looking or caring volunteers to help provide a warm, safe space for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/243398043595163 

Location: First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS
When: As needed during severe winter conditions.
Shifts:

  • 8 p.m. – Midnight
  • Midnight – 4 a.m.
  • 4 – 8 a.m.

Volunteers will be contacted when the shelter is activated, based on weather conditions.

Your role will involve welcoming guests, assisting with setup, maintaining a safe and respectful environment, and offering support during their stay. No experience needed – just your time and compassion. training will be provided. 

In this segment, we’ll shine the spotlight on the initiatives, projects, and stories of our community partners.

Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) Volunteering Opportunities
Interested in volunteering this winter? LCS is looking for compassionate volunteers to help with increased capacity during the winter months. Head over to the Lawrence Community Shelter website for more information and sign up! 

How to make a Winter Care Kit
LCS has another way you can support this busy winter season, by making care kits! Use the graphic below as a guideline for putting together a care kit. 

Drop off care kits at 3655 E. 25th Street any time between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Please go to the front door and ring the doorbell for staff. If you have any questions, please email info@lawrenceshelter.org. 

Stay Warm This Winter with LIEAP—Apply Starting November 18!

As winter approaches, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is here to help Kansans with their home heating costs. This year, the application period opens early—starting November 18, 2024!

LIEAP provides a one-time benefit to help eligible households cover heating and energy costs for the winter. The benefit is paid directly to your energy provider, making it easier to keep your home warm during the colder months.

To see if you qualify and to apply, simply visit LIEAP Application Website. Be sure to submit your application by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Stay warm, and don’t miss out on this important assistance!




Collaborative Solutions Podcast
Tune in to the Collaborative Solutions Podcast to connect with the stories of people emerging from homelessness to homes, service professionals, and City leaders. 

Stay up to Date
More information on the community-wide efforts to end chronic homelessness in Lawrence and Douglas County is available on the A Place for Everyone website and the Homeless Solutions Division website. 

Did you get this from someone else and want to sign up to receive updates right to your inbox? Click here to sign up for this newsletter under the Planning & Development section. 

Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.gov  
 
About the City of Lawrence   
The City of Lawrence supports an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can enjoy life and feel at home.