Affordable Housing and Homelessness News: November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Welcome to the Affordable Housing & Homelessness E-newsletter!

In this edition we’ll explore:

  • Homeless Response Team outcomes through 10/31
  • Average bed night data through 11/2
  • How can you help connect individuals to resources?
  • Up & coming affordable housing projects in Lawrence – The Estates of Lawrence
  • Douglas County Tenant Experiences Report 2024
  • Partner Pulse: HRC Facebook

Welcome to the Affordable Housing & Homelessness E-newsletter!

In this edition we’ll explore:

  • Homeless Response Team outcomes through 10/31
  • Average bed night data through 11/2
  • How can you help connect individuals to resources?
  • Up & coming affordable housing projects in Lawrence – The Estates of Lawrence
  • Douglas County Tenant Experiences Report 2024
  • Partner Pulse: HRC Facebook

Homeless Response Team outcomes from January through 10/31

Since launching the Homeless Response Team (HRT) in June, they’ve made significant strides in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. The team has engaged with 147 people several times over the last five months, resulting in over 600 face to face interactions. These interactions are the foundation of the relationships the HRT is constantly working to build across Lawrence. Additionally, they have provided transportation assistance and bus tickets, to help individuals return to their home community or access services. 

While official HRT work began in June, their work in connecting individuals with transportation has been tracked since the start of the year, helping people get to safety and stability. 

Bed Night Data Across Local Emergency Shelters through November 2
As we end the month of October and move in to November, data shows there has been an average of 136 occupied beds nightly across the three emergency shelter locations, leaving an average of 39 beds available. At the end of October, emergency shelter capacity increased from 73% to 77%.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 2.

  • 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.



How can you help connect individuals to services?

The City of Lawrence has worked to develop a resource card that members of the community can give to individuals experiencing homelessness that help connect them with services. We’ve compiled a list of local partner organizations who provide a number of incredibly vital services.

If you’re interested in downloading the card, please click here or on the image above.

Up & coming affordable housing projects in Lawrence

The Estates of Lawrence
Another exciting affordable housing project has been completed and residents have already started moving in! The Estates of Lawrence is a townhome community with 10 buildings of affordable multifamily housing units for income-eligible households for seniors 55 and older. These all electric 2 and 3 bedroom units include a primary bedroom on the first floor and a washer and dryer in each unit.

This project was supported by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and completed by Wheatland Investments. See the photos above of a new tenant moving in at The Estates of Lawrence!

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.



Douglas County Tenant Experiences Report
In February 2023, Lawrence passed Kansas’ first ordinance prohibiting source of income discrimination, preventing landlords from denying tenancy based on how rent is paid. The policy helps those using Housing Choice Vouchers, emergency rental assistance, and other non-traditional income sources access and maintain housing.In the years leading up to the passage of this ordinance, the Sexual Violence Prevention Work Group was heavily involved in advocating for improved rental protections. The Work Group identified gaps in housing data, particularly regarding renters’ experiences and challenges in affordable housing. In response, the Work Group launched a survey to gather insights from renters in Douglas County, addressing unreported issues and providing a voice for renters in housing planning. The survey aims to improve housing policies and ensure Douglas County remains affordable, safe, and welcoming for all.Read more about the tenant experience survey here!

In this segment, we’ll shine the spotlight on the initiatives, projects, and stories of our community partners.

Homeless Resource Center
Are you interested in updates directly from individuals working on the front lines of the community?Look no further than the Facebook of the Homeless Resource Center (HRC), a local organization run by Executive Director Brett Hartford.

Brett frequently shares stories on Facebook about his team’s work with individuals experiencing homelessness in Lawrence. These posts highlight both the successes—like connecting people to services—and the struggles of this important work. They give us a real, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, setbacks, and moments of hope that come with serving those in need.

By sharing these experiences, Brett aims to help the community better understand the realities of homelessness and the impact of our collective efforts. Every success, no matter how small, is a step forward, and these stories remind us all of the change we can make together.

The HRC provides the basic necessities, such as a shower, washer and dryer, coffee, an inviting place to come in and get off of the street, and a way to connect individuals to services!

 
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. 

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. 

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. 

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.