Kansas Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Kansas.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 2.9 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,500 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $15.6 million allocated through various programs
- Major Urban Centers: Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, Overland Park
- Primary Challenges: Rural homelessness, affordable housing shortages, limited mental health resources
Emergency Contact Numbers
Kansas Crisis Hotline
(888) 363-2287
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(785) 296-5865
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Mental Health Support
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Kansas based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Kansas:
Wichita Homeless Shelter
City: Wichita
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, recovery programs
Restrictions: Some programs gender-specific
Phone: (316) 264-7284
Address: 230 N. Market St., Wichita, KS 67202
Hours: 24/7
Lawrence Community Shelter
City: Lawrence
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, family services
Restrictions: Intake process required
Phone: (785) 832-8864
Address: 3655 E 25th St., Lawrence, KS 66046
Hours: 24/7, intake 9am-4pm daily
Topeka Rescue Mission
City: Topeka
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing, recovery programs
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women/children
Phone: (785) 354-1744
Address: 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608
Hours: 24/7
Salina Rescue Mission
City: Salina
Services: Emergency shelter for men, meals, hygiene services
Restrictions: Men only, must be 18+
Phone: (785) 823-2610
Address: 1716 Summers Rd., Salina, KS 67401
Hours: 24/7, check-in 4pm-8pm
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Kansas:
Kansas Food Bank
City: Wichita
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies across Kansas
Requirements: None for many programs
Harvesters - Kansas City
City: Kansas City
Services: Food pantries, mobile food distributions, BackSnack program
Requirements: None for most services
Project HOPE Food Pantry
City: Topeka
Services: Weekly food distribution, emergency food boxes
Requirements: Photo ID, proof of address
Phone: (785) 234-6208
Address: 1544 SE 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66607
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm
Salvation Army Community Meal Program
City: Multiple Locations
Services: Daily meals, food pantry services
Requirements: None for meals
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Kansas:
GraceMed Health Clinic
City: Wichita (multiple locations)
Services: Primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health
Requirements: Sliding fee scale, accepts uninsured
Health Partnership Clinic
City: Olathe (serves Johnson County)
Services: Medical, dental, behavioral health services
Requirements: Sliding fee scale, insurance not required
Phone: (913) 648-2266
Address: 407 S. Clairborne Rd., Olathe, KS 66062
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-5pm
Heartland Community Health Center
City: Lawrence
Services: Primary care, behavioral health, specialty referrals
Requirements: Serves all regardless of ability to pay
Phone: (785) 841-7297
Address: 1312 W. 6th St., Lawrence, KS 66044
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Valeo Behavioral Health Care
City: Topeka
Services: Mental health crisis services, counseling, substance use treatment
Requirements: None for crisis services
Phone: (785) 234-3300 (24/7 Crisis Line)
Address: 330 SW Oakley Ave., Topeka, KS 66606
Hours: 24/7 for crisis services
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking programs and legal camping options in Kansas:
Safe Parking Initiative
City: Lawrence
Services: Safe overnight parking, security, connections to services
Requirements: Registration required, limited spaces
Phone: (785) 423-2660
Location: Call for current locations
Hours: 8pm-7am daily
Kansas State Parks
City: Multiple locations
Services: Legal camping, some amenities available
Requirements: Permits required, fees apply
Wichita Overnight Safe Haven
City: Wichita
Services: Designated safe parking area, security patrols
Requirements: Check-in required, vehicle must be operational
Phone: (316) 264-9303
Address: Contact for current location
Hours: 7pm-7am daily
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, hygiene supplies, and laundry services in Kansas:
Helping Hands Humboldt
City: Humboldt
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene supplies
Requirements: None
Phone: (620) 473-2229
Address: 602 N. 8th St., Humboldt, KS 66748
Hours: Wed 10am-2pm, Sat 9am-12pm
Project Homeless Connect Topeka
City: Topeka
Services: Mobile shower units, hygiene kits, haircuts
Requirements: None
Phone: (785) 368-4884
Location: Various, call for schedule
Hours: Varies by location
Wichita Homeless Outreach Team
City: Wichita
Services: Hygiene supplies, shower referrals, laundry vouchers
Requirements: None
Phone: (316) 854-3013
Email: homeless@wichita.gov
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Lawrence Community Shelter Hygiene Center
City: Lawrence
Services: Showers, laundry facilities, personal care items
Requirements: Brief intake process
Phone: (785) 832-8864
Address: 3655 E 25th St., Lawrence, KS 66046
Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance and rights advocacy in Kansas:
Kansas Legal Services
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Legal representation, advice clinics, housing advocacy
Requirements: Income eligibility for some services
ACLU of Kansas
City: Overland Park
Services: Civil rights advocacy, legal assistance for rights violations
Requirements: Case screening required
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
City: Topeka (serves statewide)
Services: Fair housing advocacy, tenant rights assistance
Requirements: None for information
Volunteer Attorney Project
City: Kansas City
Services: Pro bono legal assistance, legal clinics
Requirements: Income eligibility
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance and benefit programs in Kansas:
Kansas Department for Children and Families
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: SNAP benefits, TANF, child care assistance
Requirements: Eligibility varies by program
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid)
City: Statewide
Services: Healthcare coverage for low-income residents
Requirements: Income and resource limits apply
Social Security Administration
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Social Security, SSI, SSDI benefits
Requirements: Eligibility requirements vary
Kansas LIEAP Program
City: Statewide
Services: Energy bill assistance for low-income households
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based assistance and support services in Kansas:
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
City: Multiple locations
Services: Emergency assistance, food pantries, case management
Requirements: None for most services
Salvation Army - Kansas
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Food pantries, utility assistance, spiritual support
Requirements: ID for some services
Inter-Faith Ministries Wichita
City: Wichita
Services: Shelters, Operation Holiday, spiritual support
Requirements: Varies by program
City Union Mission
City: Kansas City
Services: Shelter, recovery programs, spiritual guidance
Requirements: Varies by program
Kansas Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Kansas:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Most Kansas municipalities have ordinances that restrict camping and sleeping in public spaces. However, enforcement varies widely across the state.
Examples: Wichita Municipal Code § 5.60.010 (prohibits camping in parks); Topeka Municipal Code § 9.45.040 (prohibits camping on public property)
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations vary by city and county. Most urban areas restrict overnight parking in residential areas and living in vehicles on public streets.
Examples: Kansas City, KS Code § 50-103 (restrictions on parking oversized vehicles)
Food Sharing & Distribution
Most Kansas cities allow for food sharing, though some require permits for large-scale food distribution in public parks and spaces.
Note: Health department regulations may apply for prepared food distribution.
Property Rights & Seizure
State law and most local ordinances require due process before seizure of personal property. Immediate disposal of property from homeless encampments may violate constitutional rights.
Legal Principle: Fourth Amendment protections regarding unreasonable seizure
Housing Rights
Kansas has relatively limited tenant protections compared to some states. Protection against discrimination is provided by the Kansas Act Against Discrimination and federal Fair Housing Act.
State Statute: Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-2540 to 58-2573)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Kansas, the following organizations can help:
Kansas Legal Services
Provides free legal services for low-income residents in housing, benefits, and more.
Phone: (800) 723-6953
Website: kansaslegalservices.org
Volunteer Attorney Project
Offers free legal clinics and pro bono representation for income-eligible residents.
Phone: (816) 474-6750
Website: kcvap.org
Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Connects individuals with attorneys offering reduced-fee consultations.
Phone: (800) 928-3111
Website: ksbar.org
ACLU of Kansas
Advocates for civil liberties and rights of vulnerable populations.
Phone: (913) 490-4100
Website: aclukansas.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Kansas. Select a county to view specific information:
Sedgwick County
County Seat: Wichita
Population: 520,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 600 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Wichita Municipal Code § 5.60.010 prohibits camping in public parks.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Wichita Municipal Code § 11.48.050 restricts parking or standing in one location on public streets for more than 48 hours.
- Panhandling: Wichita has ordinances restricting aggressive panhandling but allows passive requests in many areas.
- Food Distribution: Permits required for organized food distribution in public parks.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Sedgwick County:
Shawnee County
County Seat: Topeka
Population: 178,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 400 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Topeka Municipal Code § 9.45.040 prohibits camping on public property without permission.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restrictions on overnight parking in residential areas and public property.
- Panhandling: Topeka Municipal Code § 9.85.020 prohibits aggressive solicitation.
- Food Distribution: Health department permits required for public food distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Shawnee County:
Johnson County
County Seat: Olathe
Population: 610,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 230 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Overland Park City Ordinance § 12.04.125 prohibits overnight use of parks.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Most cities restrict overnight parking in residential areas and public property.
- Panhandling: Varies by city, but most restrict aggressive solicitation.
- Food Distribution: Permits required for public food distribution in most cities.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Johnson County:
Douglas County
County Seat: Lawrence
Population: 122,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 300 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Lawrence City Code § 14-205 prohibits camping in parks after hours.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Lawrence has initiated a Safe Parking program in designated areas.
- Panhandling: Lawrence City Code § 14-400 regulates but does not prohibit non-aggressive panhandling.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper food safety permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Douglas County:
Wyandotte County
County Seat: Kansas City
Population: 165,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 350 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Kansas City, KS Code § 32-127 prohibits camping in parks without permits.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Kansas City, KS Code § 50-103 restricts parking oversized vehicles in residential areas.
- Panhandling: Regulations on aggressive solicitation but passive requests generally allowed.
- Food Distribution: Health department permits required for organized food distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Wyandotte County:
Success Stories from Kansas
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Kansas:
David's Journey
After losing his job in Wichita and being evicted from his apartment, David lived in his car for four months. Through the Wichita Homeless Outreach Team, he was connected to emergency shelter and employment assistance programs.
"The outreach team met me where I was and helped me navigate the system. Within six months, I had a job as a maintenance technician and was able to afford a small apartment. Now I volunteer with the same organization that helped me get back on my feet."
Resources that helped: Emergency Shelter, Employment Services, Case Management
Sarah's Journey
Sarah and her two children experienced homelessness in Lawrence after fleeing domestic violence. The Lawrence Community Shelter provided temporary housing while connecting her with support services and permanent housing resources.
"Having a safe place for my children while I worked to rebuild our lives made all the difference. The staff helped me apply for benefits, find childcare, and eventually secure affordable housing. Today, I have a stable job in healthcare and volunteer as an advocate for other survivors."
Resources that helped: Emergency Family Shelter, Domestic Violence Services, Housing Assistance
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Kansas have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Kansas to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Kansas Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
Type: Housing and Shelter Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and street outreach services
How to Apply: Through regional housing providers or by calling 211
Kansas Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Low-income households with income at or below 50% of area median income
Benefits: Rental subsidies, security deposits, utility deposits
How to Apply: Through local housing agencies and community action programs
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Type: Veteran Housing and Support
Eligibility: Low-income veteran families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Housing assistance, case management, temporary financial assistance, and connections to VA benefits
How to Apply: Through the VA or program providers like Catholic Charities and Salvation Army
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Kansas based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners