Print edition: 
In 2008, a Wichita and Sedgwick County task force recommended a Housing First program to reduce chronic homelessness, a resource center to connect those in need to helpful resources, and a temporary overnight shelter for three years until the other two programs were in place.
Though the Housing First program is under way and has reduced chronic homelessness in our community, the resource center in still in the fundraising stage. We support United Methodist Open Door's plans for this project and encourage everyone who cares about our homeless neighbors and downtown development to contribute to its completion.
Our group committed to coordinating the third component, temporary overnight shelter. We have organized shelter for five months each of the past two winters. Funds were supplied through donations from individuals, churches and organizations. A series of downtown churches provided the space, and numerous faith groups prepared and served meals.
During the winter of 2008-09, the Warming Souls Winter Overflow Shelter provided a safe haven for 373 men and women, nearly all of whom fit the federal definition of chronically homeless. Last winter it sheltered 475 individuals. Although we saw the number of chronically homeless drop by a third, the numbers who were homeless for the first time leaped from a handful to more than 200.
Because of the continuing struggles in our economy, we anticipate even greater numbers in need of shelter this coming winter. To provide this shelter, we need funds, facilities and meals. We will have an informational meeting about the shelter at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, and everyone is welcome. If you want to help, please come or contact us at the website www.AECHWichita.com.
We also are concerned about what happens after our shelter ends next March. For 20 years, through good years and lean ones, Wichita has needed a temporary winter overflow shelter. The new programs will help reduce homelessness, but they will not provide emergency overnight shelter. As we observe the increasing numbers of men, women, families and teens who are becoming homeless, we believe the need for overnight shelter will continue. How will our community address this need?
JANIS COX
DENISE GUNKEL
Co-chairwomen
Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness
Wichita
