Seeking Shelter?

The Lawrence Community Shelter offers a low-barrier adult shelter program that provides temporary emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. LCS only serves Douglas County residents and those with established ties to the area. To view frequently asked questions, click here.

Night by Night Program

LCS offers up to 100 adult beds in our night by night program. Guests can check in any time between 7-10 PM to receive a bed. All guests must check out by 7 AM. All guests must abide by program guidelines and sign paperwork to certify that they are currently homeless and eligible for services. All guests are asked to abide by a code of conduct out of respect for others staying in the shelter. There are no requirements in regards to income or sobriety. However, the use of drugs or alcohol on LCS property is prohibited. Night by Night guests may sign up for appointments to meet with case managers during the day. To view frequently asked questions, click here.

During intake at LCS, guests are asked to provide information about their recent living situations, connections to Douglas County (such as family, employment, or school), and if they have a referral from a partnering service provider. Documentation may be requested but is not required for entry into the Night by Night Program. Non-residents are referred to the city Homeless Response Team (HRT) for initial assessments, temporary assistance, and help with returning to their home community. For more information about the city policy, click here.

Housing Program / Continuous Stay

There is no check in or check out time for individuals enrolled in the Housing Program at LCS, which provides an additional 25 beds. They will receive day services and case management to help connect them to permanent housing and care that meets their needs. The Housing Program prioritizes individuals utilizing assessment tools and a team review panel to identify those with exceptional needs. Partnering service providers can refer individuals that may be eligible for the Housing Program. Click here to make a referral.

The Village

The Village is a non-congregate shelter program in the city of Lawrence which offers 50 private cabins serving adults experiencing homelessness. Each 64-square-foot cabin has a locking door, electric, heating and cooling, windows, and a twin bed. Four cabins are wheelchair accessible. Private restrooms with showers are available for guests to use, as well as a laundry facility. Meals are served daily. For services, The Village prioritizes veterans, older residents age 55+, survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, and chronically homeless individuals. Guests will receive on-site case management and wraparound services from community partners to help them transition to permanent housing. Staff are on site 24/7.

Service providers may refer individuals to The Village by filling out a Referral Form at this link.

Families with children under 18

LCS offers temporary emergency shelter for adults seeking shelter and works with community partners to connect families to alternative resources for shelter and housing assistance. As a large congregate shelter that often serves adults with complex trauma, children under 18 cannot be sheltered in our facility. In accordance with our mission, LCS advocates for solutions to homelessness that enable families with children to stay in central neighborhoods closer to their schools. Click here for children and family resources.

Pets

LCS is a pet-friendly shelter. New guests that have not sought services previously due to having a pet must sign a pet agreement and waiver of liability. Guests who use shelter programs cannot bring new pets if they are already receiving services unless the pet provides services for a disability. All dogs, cats, and ferrets aged 4 months and older must have current rabies vaccination as required by law. If the animal is not vaccinated as required, the guest will have 10 days to obtain proof of vaccination or the animal will not be allowed to return to shelter until documentation is provided. LCS may ask that a pet be removed if their behavior or health becomes a threat to the safety or well-being of other guests, volunteers, or staff. Night by Night guests must check out with their pets at 7 AM.

Accessibility

Individuals with wheelchairs or limited mobility may use the accessible entrance at the front door and will be assigned to an accessible bed reserved for people with limited mobility. If someone’s level of care exceeds our scope of services, LCS reserves the right to connect with other agencies to find appropriate placement.

Other Area Resources

Information about other resources in the area is available at Resources – Housing and Shelter and Resources – Children and Family.

Emergency Weather Shelter

During the winter, LCS expands capacity when the temperature or wind chill falls below 32°F. During cold weather, the maximum shelter capacity will be expanded to 140 beds and guests will not be required to exit during the day any time the outside temperature or wind chill falls below 32°F. Our organization works with community partners to ensure that no one is turned away from shelter during the winter.

During the summer heat, guests will not be required to exit during the day any time the outside temperature is 100°F or higher.

Directions

The Lawrence Community Shelter is located at 3655 E. 25th Street, just south of 23rd Street and west of K-10 highway. The Shelter is accessible by Lawrence City Bus (Route 1) from downtown Lawrence, Monday-Saturday, from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.