Serving Wichita’s most vulnerable citizens

Community engagement around renovation of downtown’s Naftzger Park has recently raised questions about how the needs of individuals staying in the park will be addressed when the park closes for construction and reopens afterward. The short answer to these important questions is that the city and the local coalition of non-profits who serve individuals experiencing homelessness are ready to help.

The city employs three full-time police officers who are dedicated solely to helping people who are homeless find shelter, housing, jobs, transportation and other services. They make up the Homeless Outreach Team. Since the team’s inception in 2013, it has helped connect 1,700 people to resources and services. Of those, it has helped 780 find transitional or permanent housing.

Another important resource is the Housing First program, which is co-funded by the city and Sedgwick County. This program houses up to 64 people identified as chronically homeless in their own apartments, at no charge until they have a source of income. Services are available to help them work toward financial self-sufficiency. As residents achieve self-sufficiency, the apartment funding becomes available to others. Since inception, 301 people have been permanently housed.

Located just a few blocks away from Naftzger Park is United Methodist Open Door, the comprehensive daytime assistance center for homeless adults and families that offers a daily meal, laundry facilities, showers, storage of belongings and more. It is co-located with a Sedgwick County Center City program that provides services and support to people experiencing homelessness. Open Door assists people who are ready to move from homelessness into shelter, transitional or permanent housing. Among those options are wonderful programs too numerous to mention.

As a result of the initiatives, in combination with the great work of many other local non-profits, the number of chronically homeless in Wichita has dropped from 140 to 39, a reduction of 72 percent. At least one program serving homeless men, Union Rescue Mission, currently has availability in its recovery and rehabilitation programs and never turns away men for overnight shelter.

What is most important to know as we move forward with renovation of Naftzger Park, is that the city and its compassionate community partners are ready and able to assist anyone staying in the park transition to shelter or other housing. Prior to the park’s closing, the HOT team will be prepared to post notifications and work with anyone who is ready to work toward housing. Members of the HOT team have already begun working with groups who provide meals in the park to find other locations to do so while the park is closed during renovation.

When the park reopens, it will be a welcoming and inviting space for all people to enjoy, including all who work, play, dine, shop, worship and live downtown. People experiencing homelessness will still be welcome, afforded dignity, respect and compassion. The HOT team will continue their caring mission of assisting any who desire it.

This story was originally published August 20, 2017 at 4:41 AM with the headline "Serving Wichita’s most vulnerable citizens."