6 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)- Although it may not feel like winter, Wichita is still in the winter season, and winter shelters are still operating.
HumanKind Ministries continues to help the unhoused through its emergency winter shelter. About 750 different people have stayed at the emergency winter shelter, near 21st and Grove, since it opened on Dec. 1.
Clients get food, showers, a free bus ride and medical care at the shelter thanks to volunteers and funding.
One of the initial concerns with the shelter’s location was the increase in unhoused people in the neighborhood. HumanKind Ministries says the bi-weekly meetings with residents and local businesses have been successful.
“The check-ins have been absolutely wonderful. The relationships that have been built with those here in District 1 to make sure that we’re all doing the best we can so everyone has a great experience have been just immensely helpful,” HumanKind Ministries Program Manager of Homeless Services Brie Ireton said.
The city has done bi-weekly meetings with residents and businesses in the area, which have resulted in more police patrol, trash cleanup and concerns being addressed.
The city has not yet announced any future plans for a winter shelter for the next winter season.