Housing and Homelessness stakeholder group seeking input on five-year strategic plan

April 3, 2023 10:59 am

Updated: September 27, 2023 10:54 am


The Housing and Homelessness steering committee, which is facilitated by the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, is working to draft a five-year Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan. The goal is to create a community-wide system that achieves functional zero in homelessness through policy, system and environmental changes that give all Douglas County residents access to safe, accessible and affordable housing. When a community achieves functional zero, homelessness is a rare and brief occurrence. The draft plan has five focus areas: equity and inclusion, affordable housing, supportive housing, systems and emergency shelter.

The steering committee hosted the following listening sessions: 

  • Thursday, April 20, noon-1:30 p.m., virtually by Zoom. Here's a recording of the meeting: https://youtu.be/TScRdmCJIQM
  • Friday, May 5, 9-10:30 a.m., Lawrence Union Pacific Depot, 402 N. Second St., Lawrence.
  • Thursday, May 18, 5:30-7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence.

The steerimg committee also hosted two in-person listening sessions in early May with those who are experiencing homelessness in Douglas County. 

If residents were unable to attend a session, they can provide feedback through this City of Lawrence webpage. Hit the submit feedback button at the top.

Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur provided information about the draft plan during a County Commission work session on March 29. To view background information and presentation slides, visit: http://dgcoks.org/032923ws. To view the work session: https://youtu.be/CREID-BJBXg

Lea Roselyn, Affordable Housing Administrator for the City of Lawrence, presented the draft plan during a City Commission work session on April 4. To view background information and presentation slides, visit: https://lawrenceks.civicweb.net/document/122252/. To view the City Commission work session: https://youtu.be/M0G4NreBpk0?t=5503

The final Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan will be available after the steering committee has a chance to incorporate community feedback.

Community agencies that have representatives who serve on the Steering Committee are: Family Promise, Artists Helping the Homeless, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, DCCCA, Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, Lawrence Community Shelter, Willow Domestic Violence Center, Tenants to Homeowners, Justice Matters, Kansas Legal Services, Habitat for Humanity, and the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition.


Related Documents

Draft strategic plan to address homelessness in Douglas County


Related Links

Contact: Karrey Britt, Communications and Media Coordinator, Media Contact Form

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