Affordable Housing and Homelessness News: December 6, 2024

In this edition we’ll explore:

• Homeless Response Team (HRT) outcomes through 12/3
• Average bed night data through 11/30
• Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan
• A Place for Everyone Community Survey
• 2025 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Awards
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications

Now we’re zooming out and breaking down each level of service the HRT provides and simultaneously tracks. You’ll notice the top left data point is broken down into “engagements”—this reflects the many times our team has connected with individuals over the course of several months, some for the first time and some they’ve met before. This highlights the ongoing nature of the relationships they’re nurturing, as the HRT continues to meet people where they are, offering support and services as they build trust and work toward next steps.

The number of engagements might seem large, and that’s because it represents the depth and frequency of those connections. Each interaction is an important step toward the ultimate goal of helping someone transition from sheltering outside to a place of safety and stability.

We hope this updated view helps to better reflect the consistent, compassionate work of the HRT and the positive, lasting impact they are making every day. The above graphic is part of our way of telling the story of all the small yet significant moments that come together to change lives.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH) News

LDCPH is welcoming Becky Lagger-Dyar to their team as the new Outreach APRN. Becky will be supporting the new Mobile Integrated Health partnership with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and City’s Homeless Response Team.

The Mobile Integrated Health partnership helps meet individuals where they are and assist with their medical needs.

• 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.

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.

4,000 county residents have been randomly selected to receive a survey, and we’re aiming for 400 completed responses. Your feedback is crucial—it will help shape future efforts to engage and educate the community as we work together to advance this important plan.

So, if the survey lands in your mailbox, take a moment to share your thoughts. It’s a simple way to make a big impact! Thank you for helping us build a brighter future for everyone in our community.

The City of Lawrence is allocating Affordable Housing Trust Fund awards to nine organizations projects as part of the 2025 grant cycle.

Read the release to learn more about the exciting projects. The organizations selected to receive funds in 2025 are listed below:

• The Douglas County Housing Stabilization Collaborative
• Flint Hills Holdings Group
• Lawrence Habitat for Humanity
• Independence, Inc.
• The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority (two projects awarded)
• Lawrence Tenants
• The Senior Resource Center
• Tenants to Homeowners

Eligible projects for funding include the acquisition, rehabilitation and development of affordable housing, accessibility modifications to affordable housing, housing vouchers and emergency rental assistance, projects that increase community awareness on affordable housing, and projects that advance racial equity in affordable housing access.
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.

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!

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.