Douglas County Emergency Management has incorporated a new Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan into its Emergency Operations Plan in collaboration with community partners. The purpose of the new plan is to equip community agencies and organizations with a resource to support the expansion of emergency sheltering during extreme weather conditions.

The Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan was developed as part of “A Place for Everyone,” the community’s strategic plan to end chronic homelessness. The following agencies helped develop the plan: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, City of Lawrence Homeless Initiatives Division, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, Lawrence Community Shelter and Douglas County.

There will be an informational webinar at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, about the plan and how community and faith groups can help with training, volunteers, supplies and other supports.  To register, visit: https://dgcoks.gov/webinar/082624. Presenters will be Jill Jolicoeur, of Douglas County, and Misty Hastings, of the City of Lawrence.

Interested partners are encouraged to complete this Douglas County Emergency Response Planning Survey.

A follow-up, in-person meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St., in Flory Meeting Hall to discuss plans for winter sheltering.