Lawrence Mayor Bart Littlejohn introduced Cory Wallace, Director of Communication and Community Relations for the City. Wallace provided an update on the City’s work to address homelessness. This problem has grown larger and more visible, frustrating efforts to address it. It is a problem with layers of complexity, including lack of affordable housing (1300 units needed), addiction, mental heath, and unsafe encampments. The City has identified a goal of making homelessness rare and short in duration by 2028. A data base has been created of the homeless and their needs, which has enabled the City to better manage the problem of people from other communities seeking services. However, the number of people “couch surfing” with friends or family is unknown.
The City has five committees working to increase affordable housing, and improve the Community Shelter and related services. Some accomplishments include improvements and policy changes at the Community Shelter, the opening of the Pallet Village, and mobilizing the community to address all phases of the problem. Wallace praised the community effort, and stated that if any community can successfully address homelessness, it will be Lawrence.
