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| LCS Success Stories each month LCS guest success stories will now be posted online each month (shortly after the third Monday of the month). Each story features actual LCS guests, although their names and some identifying facts have been altered. Look for Success Stories in the navigation at the left, or follow this link. Also, a new section has been created, "Life at LCS" (also in the navigation at right) to describe programs and services that LCS provides to move people on a path to a positive future. |
Salvation Army closes June 1, 2009 The Salvation Army will close it's overnight shelter as they shift operations to focus on placing families and individuals into apartments. Cpt. Dalberg originally intended to close the 42 bed shelter on May 1st, but delayed closing for one month while LCS looked into interim shelter options to pick up demand when the Salvation Army overnight shelter closes. LCS begins temporary overnight shelter in the LINK space of First Christian Church June 1, 2009 The basement of the First Christian Church would be a temporary solution for an overnight homeless shelter for families and non-drinking homeless individuals who were previously served by the Salvation Army. This stop-gap measure would only last for a month or so as LCS moves ahead with the request to both City and County Commissioners to use part of the Public Works building at 13th and Massachusetts. There are several steps to seek approval and ultimately acquire a Special Use Permit (SUP) for an interim shelter as well as some renovations to the space (sprinklers, bathrooms, etc.). The Public Works department currently uses only half of the former church. LCS has requested use of the unused part of that building as an interim shelter, open only from 8pm to 8am and serving families and individuals who are not drinking. In the mean time, LCS is moving ahead with plans to relocate all emergency shelter operations to a new location. LCS is actively seeking volunteers from 8 pm to 10 pm (for both the temporary shelter at LINK and the interim shelter at Public Works) as well as volunteers to provide evening meals for approximately 35 guests (call Dianne Huggins at 785-766-3357). UPDATE on Temporary Shelter Due to concerns about safety due to lack of fire protection sprinklers and insurability issues, the LINK space is no longer available for use as a temporary shelter. The last night of temporary sheltering in the LINK space is Friday, June 12.
Loring Henderson and the LCS Staff is working with City Commissioners, the City Manager, and the County Administrator to develop any ideas of possible buildings as quickly as possible. If anyone has any suggestions as to where we might sleep 40-50 people quickly, without the time consuming installation of sprinkers and other renovations, please contact LCS. This is a low moment because we will have to turn away a lot of people starting Saturday night until we find a new temporary location.
LCS is taking the additional guests at the current shelter location instead of looking for a new temporary site. Fire Department and Lawrence City officials have visited the site and identified several improvements necessary to remain within code (including extending existing sprinkler system and creating additional points of egress). LCS staff and city officials are working closely together to make sure LCS guests are as safe as possible until renovations are complete. The City Commission also raised concerns that the SUP (Special Use Permit) for LCS was limited to sleeping only 31, but that number was tied to code considerations at the time and hopefully the capacity can be officially and quickly increased in the SUP when the city fire code inspector upgrades the acceptable capacity. Renovations are underway and will be completed as quickly as possible (all indications are for within the month). image at left: Lawrence Community Shelter guest sits on the front porch of the exisiting location at 214 W 10th St. |
Sunflower Girls State address June 9, 2009 Henderson spoke with Sunflower Girls State delegates last year and was one of the most popular speakers during the week of Girls State. "These young women represent some of the best and brightest of our future," he said during a recent LCS Board meeting, "they asked the most thoughtful, probing questions and displayed an insight to the issue of homelessness that I don't often see, at any age." Sunflower Girls State delegates are chosen from the Junior class of high schools throughout Kansas to participate in a weeklong exercise in the practical application of the democratic governmental system at all levels. The program encourages these young women to develop leadership while educating about our system of government. |
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LCS guests, as Good Dog! employees, developed the business plan and run all areas of the business (production, packaging, distribution, sales, marketing, and development of future products). Proceeds from Good Dog! sales provide salaries for the employees and additional profits are put back into the business. Distribution efforts of Good Dog! employees go beyond sales at the local Farmer's Market. Good Dog! products can be found at several convenient outlets, with more businesses added every week. The following local businesses are already selling the gourmet dog treats: 
Pet World The future of this entreprenureal business is very bright. Good Dog! employees have continued to expand the product line beyond the basic bag of Good Dog! treats (available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 1 pound bags) to include cookie jars filled with treats, gift bags and baskets, If your favorite pet outlet doesn't offer Good Dog! Treats, we encourage you to ask them to stock them. Visit our website for more information or to order online. |
Coalition for Homeless Concerns Public Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of Each Month The Coalition for Homeless Concerns (CHC) is a consumer based tax exempt organization. Meetings are open to anyone interested in the issue of homelessness in our society. Public meetings are held at 3:00 pm on the second Tuesday of each month, at the Lawrence Public Library (707 Vermont St). The CHC sponsors "Change of Heart," a street newspaper helping to support people who are homeless and to help their voices be heard in the broader community. For more information regarding "Change of Heart" or to contribute articles or financial support, contact Craig Sweets. CHC also hears grievances of those receiving or providing housing and/or homeless services and hosts an annual public meeting to report on the state of homelessness in our community. CHC advocates before the City Commission and the Community Commission on Homelessnes for people experiencing homelessness and educates the broader community on issues of homelessness. |
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 Chocolate & Tea at 3 Sunday, November 8, 2009, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (location TBA)Join us for the sweetest fundraising event this fall! If you'd like to join our committee, make chocolate delectables for the event, sponsor the event, or donate an item (or some exciting and unique opportunity) for our live auction, please email the Chocolate & Tea committee. |
Sign up in the grey box on the left for occasional email news and updates about LCS programs and activities that occur between print newsletters as well as success stories about LCS guests. |
ADDITIONAL UPDATE on Temporary Shelter 
Good Dog! Returns to the Farmer's Market
travel kits, and Dog-Gone Good Dog! Pops (a "lolly" pop for dogs, featuring a rawhide chew handle with a treat baked on). The gift bags include treats, a ball, a bandana, a leash, and some Dog-Gone Good Dog! Pops. The travel kit includes Good Dog! treats, a brush, a toy, a water bowl, poop bags, and a leash. Cat treats are currently in the taste-testing phase (several cats have graciously and willingly offered to be test subjects).
