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.