Wichita City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a budget for the operation of an emergency homeless shelter for this winter. The shelter was announced by community leaders last week.
The council approved a budget of over $685,000 to operate a shelter at the former Fundamental Learning Center near 21st and Grove. Humankind Ministries will operate the shelter and will provide another $200,000 for supplies, equipment, internal security, set-up costs and other expenses.
The City of Wichita will provide over $72 million in funding it has received through the American Rescue Plan Act. There are also discussions with Sedgwick County and local nonprofit agencies about supporting the center.
The discussion at Tuesday’s Council meeting included comments from residents who live near the shelter, saying they were not notified of the proposal. They also raised concerns about crime and drug activity. Humankind president and CEO LaTasha St. Arnault said there will be 24/7 security at the shelter, a single monitored entry point, fencing and interior security cameras.
The shelter is expected to open by early December, and the funding will operate it for 22 weeks through the end of March. The city and local agencies will continue discussions on a permanent solution to shelter needs for the homeless.
