The Homeless Resource Center is hosting a fundraiser to support its multiple initiatives, as the organization has seen a significant increase in the number of people using its services.
Executive Director Brett Hartford said there has been a 30% increase in folks utilizing HRC services in 2025 so far compared to 2024. Such services include meeting “not only basic needs like showers, laundry, and mail, but (providing) a space where people can connect to resources, community, and dignity,” Hartford wrote in an email.
He reported that there have been 6,088 total guest check-ins with 654 unique people served so far this year at the HRC, formerly known as the DARE (Drop-In And Rest) Center.
As a result, the center has recently expanded job training opportunities for its guests, and its team continues to forge relationships with local businesses, such as Terrebonne, which has recently begun serving meals at the center on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Next, the HRC team is gearing up to expand by 2,000 square feet, thanks to a grant from Kansas Fights Addiction. The space will be used to facilitate meetings between guests and case managers to help folks “access recovery, employment, and housing support in a safe, neutral environment,” Hartford said.
The upcoming fundraiser will take place at the gazebo at South Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 13. Though there will be opportunities to support HRC financially, the event is free to attend.
During the fundraiser, guests can enjoy live music from Page 7, Small Uncle, and Vintage Bascow, as well as performances by circus artists from The Last Carnival troupe.
A silent auction will benefit HRC services and will feature art from local creator Blanca Herrada, as well as items from 6 Mile Chophouse & Tavern, Ruff House, Third Planet, Raven Book Store, the Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence Acupuncture, The Burger Stand and more.
Guests can also browse purchaseable art created by guests of the HRC, or visit a thrift clothing booth run by a queer, punk pop-up called Howdy DIY Thrift. A Planet Comicon booth will additionally feature cosplayers dressed as Disney princesses and Dr. Strange. Attendees can take pictures with the cosplayers for a donation.
Food such as burgers, hot dogs, cookies, chips and soda will be prepared by the HRC team and available for purchase throughout the evening.
If local news matters to you, please help us keep doing this work.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first
Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), reporter and news editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2025. They can be reached at wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.
Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.
Check our community calendar for more:
Latest Lawrence news:
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
