United Way of the Flint Hills and the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) have recently joined forces to aid households in Lyon County who are experiencing homelessness. Their Emergency Housing Project came out of the work of the Plumb Place Steering Committee and the Committee’s efforts to re-establish housing services in Emporia. The Committee is largely made up of nonprofit agency representatives whose clients had previously relied on the now-closed Plumb Place, including CrossWinds, Corner House, SOS, Community Corrections, United Way, and Kansas Legal Services.
The Emergency Housing Project is a temporary measure to provide housing services that are vital to many in Lyon County. United Way and ECKAN plan to keep the project operational until additional housing resources are available, likely through the re-establishment of Plumb Place. Through the partnership, ECKAN will be providing one-on-one assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness starting on August 23rd. Destiny Siegrist, ECKAN Human Services Coordinator explains, "Our agency helps low-income families and individuals fight the effects of poverty such as food insecurity, housing, laundry, etc. Lyon County has a huge need in providing resources to help homeless families and individuals -- they need more resources, and they need to feel empowered utilizing agencies like ours who are here to help."
Over a period of two to three months, ECKAN staff will assist clients with finding appropriate housing, goal-setting, and tasks to help with future success. The project endeavors to help overcome barriers and provide a temporary reprieve from the stresses of homelessness, allowing individuals time to focus on a larger goal of achieving future housing stability. United Way CEO Mickey Edwards said, “ECKAN was selected to provide this service because of their long history of providing housing assistance in this community, as well as their knowledge of the needs of homeless individuals. We are excited to partner with them to bring this opportunity to our community.” While Plumb Place previously served only women, this project will be available to individuals of any gender or identity.
United Way secured a $90,000 grant from the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee and a $25,000 grant from Trusler Foundation to launch the project. The grant will allow ECKAN to begin providing services while additional funds are sought to fully fund the project.
For more information, contact Mickey Edwards, United Way of the Flint Hills, at mickey@uwfh.org or 620-342-7564.