WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita’s new winter shelter is set now open. And they opened early because of the cold temperatures.
Wichita City leaders originally planned to open on Thanksgiving, but that was pushed back to Dec. 2. HumanKind Ministries, the nonprofit set to operate the shelter, says the weather prompted them to open it on Friday.
They say they urgently request community support to donate food items for those staying at the emergency winter shelter.
“So we wanted to make sure that the shelter was open for individuals as soon as possible,” said HumanKind President Dawn Shepler. “We will start serving breakfast, lunch and dinner starting (Saturday) morning. And those meals are needed for each of those days, Saturday and Sunday.”
How you can help:
- Donate food items: Bring donations of applesauce, bread, lunch meat, etc. to the
south doors of the Emergency Winter Shelter at 1025 N Main St., Wichita. - Donate prepared meals: Sign up to donate prepared meals at
HumanKindWichita.org/Volunteer. - Spread the word: Share this need with friends, family, and local organizations who
may be able to help.
The shelter expects at least 150 people Friday night and possibly more through the weekend. For more information about HumanKind Ministries and its program, visit HumanKindWichita.org.
Shepler has no doubt area residents will step up to help.
“Kansas has the most philanthropic individuals I’ve ever met. There’s more empathy and advocacy than I’ve ever come across,” said Shepler.