Kansas communities are on track to receive state money to create more shelter for people under a new proposal — but a built-in provision could mean these people are criminalized for living outside first.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
The City of Lawrence has closed the sanctioned camp for people experiencing homelessness, but some people who have been staying in camps nearby are confused about where they can and cannot be until camping in the area is banned in a month.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
The City of Lawrence is planning to open a village of shelters for people experiencing homelessness Monday, soon end support at the sanctioned North Lawrence campsite, prohibit camping in that area and establish an office for police officers who will patrol downtown full time.
A bill supported by Sedgwick County and the city of Wichita is requesting $40 million from the state for homeless shelter infrastructure, and it also requires localities to enforce ordinances on camping and vagrancy.
People of color are overrepresented among guests at the Lawrence Community Shelter compared to the population of Douglas County, according to reports from the director.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and the Lawrence Community Shelter are partnering to bring the health department’s clinical services directly to guests staying at the shelter.
Dana Ortiz, who has served as executive director of Family Promise of Lawrence for 12 years, will step down in August, and the search has begun to find the next leader.
The City of Lawrence is launching its new homeless solutions division, and Misty Bosch-Hastings, who has served as homeless programs coordinator for the city since summer, will serve as its director.
Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission members on Wednesday voted unanimously in favor of a permit to allow Family Promise to open a longer-term shelter for families as they transition into permanent housing.
Lawrence community members helped around the clock during the recent extreme cold snap, and advocates say there is no doubt that their efforts saved people’s lives.
