Douglas County and its Unified Command partners announce the opening of a new hotel-based shelter for members of the public in need of isolation or quarantine following a positive COVID-19 test or confirmed exposure. Led by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) and local community referral partners, the new shelter opened Nov. 24 at the Baymont Inn and Suites, 740 Iowa Street. Funding is being provided through KDEM.

This resource is available for houseless individuals and those who cannot isolate or quarantine safely in their home due to living conditions that include multiple individuals. Individuals will be required to provide key dates regarding exposure, symptoms, as well as a full name, date of birth and city/county in which they currently reside. The service is also available for individuals working as first responders or in other high-risk professions who wish to avoid potential exposure among family members. The shelter, which is provided at no cost to participants, will include three meals a day and laundry services. Individuals are expected to remain in their rooms for the duration of their stay, and no smoking or vaping will be permitted. Hospitality is contingent on following shelter rules. As a condition of participation, name, contact info, and information related to your COVID status will be shared with the shelter staff and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. Individuals in need of shelter should consider the following:

• Individuals must be able to care for themselves.
• Transportation is not included in the service.
• The shelter will not offer case management services.

The service is not available to college students residing in dormitories or to individuals who are incarcerated.

If you are unable to abide by the shelter rules, you will be asked to leave. All emergency shelter staff decisions are final.

To access this service, please contact shelterrequest@dgcoks.gov.