Wichita and Sedgwick County leaders met Friday for another round of discussions on a long-term solution to the problem of homelessness in the community, and there were updates on the progress of creating an emergency shelter for the winter and a Multi-Agency Center for the future.

The discussion was led by Sedgwick County Commissioners Jim Howell and Ryan Baty with participation by staff from the City of Wichita and members of the Kansas Legislature.

Wichita Housing and Community Services Director Sally Stang said it was hoped that the emergency shelter could be open next week, but it could be delayed until after Thanksgiving.  The city is working with Humankind Ministries to set up the shelter operation, and Stang said two issues of concern have been finding enough staff to provide security and finding ways to provide transportation to the shelter near 21st and Grove.  Stang said Wichita Transit will provide free service, but the service doesn’t run on Sundays so there are efforts to find other agencies with vans that would be available.   She said beds have been delivered and donations of food have been provided, but there are also challenges in providing shower facilities at the shelter.

Stang said the city is still working on designs for a Multi-Agency Center (MAC) that would deal with homelessness, mental health, substance abuse and other issues.  She said the city has an architect working on designs and eight possible sites are being evaluated.  The city is hoping to have a location identified by the end of the year and the plan is to have the center open in 2026.   Stang said the city is working with several agencies and looking for more partners in developing the center.

Commissioner Howell said it’s time to get requests together, get them on paper and get them to the Governor’s Office and the Legislature for state funding to help with solutions.

The participants plan more discussions on December 1st.