Safer Shelter

We will find safe, indoor shelter for anyone who wants or needs it in this extreme weather. If you need help or know someone who needs help, contact our emergency helpline: (785) 813-9483 or wintershelter@lawrenceks.gov.

Yes! Anyone interested in volunteering at the emergency shelter at LCS can sign up online at lawrenceshelter.org/volunteer. Or contact LCS Volunteer Program Manager, Mercedes Roland, mroland@lawrenceshelter.org.

The City is working with the Kaw Valley United Way to coordinate volunteer efforts:

• Sign up: https://www.kawvalleyvolunteers.org/need/detail/?need_id=1032630
• Volunteers must be 18 years or older and, ideally, have experience serving this population during challenging conditions.
• As volunteers are needed, the City will contact them with their assignment and ensure that location is suitable for them.

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.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the other overflow shelters when they are activated can email homelessprograms@lawrenceks.gov.

The Lawrence Community Shelter and the Jesus Community Church of the Nazarene can accommodate pets of overnight guests. Pets must be in the control of the owner at all times and, depending on their behavior, they may need to be muzzled or kept in kennels. All pets must have proof of current vaccinations.

Animals who serve as dedicated service animals with the correct information will be allowed at any of the emergency shelter sites.

The basis of the Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter plan is to operate a “Harm-Prevention Model”. This means that guests may be able to access the emergency shelters under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Decisions about access to the shelter may vary depending on the specific location and the organization running it. If a guest behaves inappropriately, like being a threat to themselves or others, or causing a disturbance, and attempts to calm them down don’t work, they will be asked to leave. If a guest is a serious danger to others, shelter staff should call 911. Guests are not allowed to have alcohol, drugs, or weapons with them or on the property. If they do, they may be asked to leave.

Yes. Overnight guests can stay during the day when the temperature remains below 40 degrees.

Other daytime options for indoor shelter: City of Lawrence recreation facilities and Lawrence Transit buses. Please note: If people are using a City recreation facility as a warming center and need overnight shelter, we will ensure they have the transportation they need to get there. Contact our emergency helpline for assistance: (785) 813-9483.

Bottom Line: If you are or someone you know needs help getting to shelter, call our emergency helpline: (785) 813-9483. We will make sure anyone in need has transportation.

Other Options: Lawrence Transit is available and free-to-use. Their regular bus service runs from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Saturday. Additionally, Lawrence Transit is now offering On Demand bus service with the following hours:

Day
8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday

Night
8 p.m. - 6 a.m., Monday - Saturday
12 a.m. - 6 a.m., Sunday

On-Demand service is door-to-door, meaning users can schedule a ride between any two places in town. Riders will need to book or reserve On Demand rides via phone or smartphone. Reservations can be made by phone during regular business hours, Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 785-312-7054. Or download the Lawrence Transit On Demand app on Google Play and the Apple App Store to make reservations outside of business hours. Our team can help book rides for anyone who needs it.

LCS is currently accepting the following items via donation. Donations can be delivered to the front door of LCS from noon to 6 p.m. daily. You can also visit lawrenceshelter.org/donate under DONATE GOODS to view the shelter’s Amazon wish list.

Personal Care/Hygiene Items (Must be new and unopened)

• Ethnic Hair Care Products

• Disposable Razors

• Deodorant Shower gel

• Tissue Boxes & Travel Packs

• Hairbrushes/Combs/hair ties

• Sunblock/Sunscreen

• Bug Spray/Mosquito

• Wipes

• Mouthwash (Alcohol-free)

Food & Beverage (must be unopened)

• Bottled Water

• Coffee

• Ramen Noodles

• Cup of Soup

• Shelf-Stable Milk

• Powdered Creamer

• Sugar

• Fruit Juice

• Canned Meat or Tuna

• Cheese sticks

• Granola bars

• Protein bars

• Meat Snack Sticks/Jerky

• Nut-Free Snacks

Over the counter meds & First Aid Items

• Aloe Gel

• Ibuprofen

• Acetaminophen

• Guaifenesin/Mucinex Dextromethorphan

• Naproxen

• Benadryl

• Alcohol Pads

• Cold Medicine Packets

• Triple Antibiotic Packets

• Anti-itch Cream Cold medicine

• Cough Drops Multi-Vitamins

Miscellaneous Items

• AA/AAA Batteries

• Drawstring Bags

• Earbuds (new)

• Sharpies

• Notepads

• Sticky Notes

• Erasers

• Staples

• Duct/Packaging

• Tape Clear or Masking Tape

• Shower shoes

• Men & Women’s underwear

• Twin fitted sheets

• Pillows

• Throw size blankets