Dangerously cold weather is expected in the coming week. In response, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) announced a temporary move. This involves the city’s overnight shelter. It will relocate from the Willa Gill Center, 645 Nebraska Avenue, to 550 State Avenue. This move begins on Saturday, Feb. 15, and lasts through Sunday, Feb. 23.
According to the UG, the move is intended to provide additional space. This is needed as demand for shelter services increases during severe winter weather.
The overnight shelter will continue to be managed by Crosslines Community Outreach. Guests will receive a warm meal. They will also get a sleeping mat, blanket, and tent for overnight rest. Additionally, there will be a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning. All guests will leave the shelter by 7 a.m.
During this period, the Willa Gill Center will operate as a daytime warming center with extended hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center offers a safe place to warm up. Additionally, the center’s hot lunch program will continue to provide meals to those in need.
The arrangement ensures that individuals experiencing homelessness will have access to warm, staffed locations around the clock.
Shelter operations are supported by a diverse team of staff and volunteers. The team includes professionals in homeless services, behavioral health, and healthcare. Community members and people with lived experience are also part of the team.
“The goal is to keep people safe, fed, and connected to support during this extreme cold,” UG officials said.
