| Welcome to the Affordable Housing & Homelessness E-newsletter!
In this edition we’ll explore:
- Homeless Response Team outcomes through 11/8
- Average bed night data through 11/9
- Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan
- Meet our Affordable Housing Advisory Board chair!
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications open now
- Housing & homelessness ballot measures approved across the country
- Partner Pulse: Beyond the Labels LFK Donation Drive for Lawrence Community Shelter
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| Homeless Response Team outcomes from January through 11/08We are proud to share the most up to date data from the Homeless Resource Team’s efforts (see graphic above), which shows their impact in the past week.
Even though the HRT officially began in June, the team’s efforts to connect individuals with transportation have been tracked since the beginning of the year, so we will continue to display year-to-date data.
Over the past five months, the HRT have engaged with over 100 individuals multiple times, resulting in over 600 face-to-face interactions and helped house 14 individuals. These interactions are not just statistics, they represent meaningful, trust-building conversations that lay the groundwork for long-term solutions. Sharing this data is essential because it provides transparency about the challenges our community faces and highlights the progress we’re making. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about seeing how our collective efforts are making a difference, what’s working, and where we can continue to improve. |
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Bed Night Data Across Local Emergency Shelters through 11/9
In the first weeks of November, data shows a steady average of 136 occupied bedsnightly across the three emergency shelter locations, still leaving an average of 39 beds available. At the end of October, emergency shelter capacity increased from 73% to 77% and has remained there into early November.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 November 9.
- 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.
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| 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.
Each overflow shelter (listed below) can serve up to 25 guests, ages 18+, nightly:
- University Community of Christ
- First United Methodist Church
- Jesus Community Church of the Nazarene (pets accommodated)
- Lawrence First Church
Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter sites will be activated when inclement weather is anticipated or occurring. The Safe Shelter website will be updated when the weather is anticipated and will be a resource for the community during the winter months. |
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| Meet our new Affordable Housing Advisory Board Chair!
In an article from the Lawrence Times, Christina Gentry, who was recently appointed chair of Lawrence’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board, shares her personal journey from experiencing homelessness to becoming a homeowner and a passionate advocate for affordable housing. She reflects on her struggles as a single mother, facing discrimination, and navigating a broken housing system.
Now, she works to create systemic change, particularly by addressing source-of-income discrimination and advocating for policies that provide more opportunities for marginalized families. Christina’s experiences drive her dedication to community healing through connectivity, and her leadership aims to improve access to safe and affordable housing for all.
To read more about Christina’s story and her work with the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, check out the full article by Maya Hodison here.
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.
Dashboard
Check out our interactive dashboard here for real-time updates on affordable housing projects! It’s packed with information, so you can easily track the latest developments at your fingertips. |
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| 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! |
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| Union at the Loop, an affordable apartment complex supported by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. |
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Housing & homelessness ballot initiatives approved across the country
Lawrence has been recognized in a national publication written by the National Low Income Housing Coalition for passing the Affordable Housing and Emergency Shelter Services Sales Tax.This tax replaces the current 0.05% tax with a new 0.10% sales tax. The funds from the tax will be dedicated to affordable housing initiatives and providing temporary emergency shelter services in Lawrence.“By expanding this tax, our residents have empowered the City to build on the progress we’ve made in affordable housing and significantly strengthen resources for those experiencing homelessness,” said Craig Owens, City Manager. “This dedicated, long term funding ensures that we can move forward with our commitment to A Place for Everyone, including impactful programs that create greater housing stability and community resilience.”Emergency shelter services that this tax will help fund include immediate benefits for people experiencing homelessness, such as food, laundry, transportation, storage, non-prescription medical supplies, and case management and outreach services. It will also help fund homeless prevention services, such as rent stabilization funding, utility assistance, and assistance obtaining government identification cards and government benefits.Collection for the tax will begin April 1, 2025, and will continue through March 31, 2035.Click here if you’re interested in reading more about housing & homelessness ballot initiatives approved across the country on election day! |
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| In this segment, we’ll shine the spotlight on the initiatives, projects, and stories of our community partners. |
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| Beyond the Labels LFK Donation DriveJoin Beyond the Labels LFK – a group of social work seniors at KU dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness in our community – this month for a donation drive to collect essential hygiene and food items! The drive runs through November 30 and all proceeds and donations will go to the Lawrence Community Shelter.
The initiative aims to make donating easier and more accessible. With three convenient drop-off locations around town, you can contribute without the need to travel too far from home.
See the flyer above for more details! |
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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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.org
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 |
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