Affordable Housing Homelessness News: January 23

• 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.

The count happens at least once a year to measure the number of people experiencing homelessness, both in shelters and on the streets, on a single night. This information is essential because it helps communities understand the scope of homelessness, plan services, apply for funding, and track progress over time. The Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition is responsible for compiling the data collected by local teams and releasing the final report back to the community.

The 2024 PIT Count found that Douglas County had 414 people experiencing homelessness on that night in 2024. Of that total:

• 142 people were experiencing unsheltered homelessness
• 137 people were in transitional housing,
• and 136 people were in emergency shelter.

You can learn more about the work the Homeless Solutions Division is doing for our community on our website: lawrenceks.org/homeless-solutions.

• 85% of affordable housing meets or exceeds federal quality standards & over 40% of this housing is considered “excellent.”
• Meaning affordable housing is likely on-par or in even better condition than its surrounding neighbors.(Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition)

• Affordable housing is affordable because public and private funds go into making it less costly to live in, not because it’s lower quality construction.
• By design, most affordable housing units are indistinguishable from market rate housing.

• Homeowners, including those who own affordable homes, add stability to a neighborhood and lower the crime rate.
• Residents of affordable housing often receive supports that help them maintain economic, educational, and housing stability. They are subject to greater standards for maintaining a property in which they can live with dignity.
• Families who live in affordable housing seek the same thing every family does – a safe place to live and the opportunity to enhance the value of what they own.

• For a 4-person household in Lawrence, this would be a $75,700 annual household income.
• A city that has sufficient affordable housing to support those who live there is better set up for community-wide success.
• A lack of affordable housing means fewer tax revenues, which can be used to improve roads and schools. It means businesses struggle to retain qualified workers, and it lowers the amount of money available to spend in those businesses.

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.

The first overflow shelter is open now that the plan has been officially activated. Each overflow shelter (listed below) can serve up to 25 guests, ages 18+, nightly.

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

The Safe Shelter website has been updated and reflects the activation of the plan and how folks should go about finding shelter.

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://www.kawvalleyvolunteers.org/need/detail/?need_id=890642

How the Winter Emergency Sheltering Plan brought people together
Brett Hartford, Executive Director of the Homeless Resource Center has been one of the many individuals working the front lines of winter emergency sheltering. Along with a litany of community partners, Brett says he’s seen the community come together in new ways this year.

“It has really been beautiful to see what happens when our community as a whole doesn’t have all the answers individually, but decides to show up collectively in the ways each person has the ability to do so.”

He said he’s seen the so many ways that folks have been engaging and helping. From signing up to volunteer at organizations and overnight shelters, serving hot meals, and showing overall compassion for individuals who are simply trying to survive the winter.

“The City & nonprofits working together helps the community feel part of the process – it’s what allows us to feel tied to our neighbors well-being when we can say we played a part in their success or wellness,” he said.

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.

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!