09/08/2026
Last Monday morning, August 31st, we wrapped up a two week trial of a cooling shelter to serve those in the community without a safe place to sleep at night.
Modeled after the warming shelter we operate during the winter months, it provided much needed data to begin pursuing a space to operate year-round.
Knowing the need is real, the benefit of seeing basic needs met, and seeing people move forward is more than enough to justify the vision of bridging gaps in the ‘system’.
Here’s some of the data:
14 nights
30 unduplicated men, women, and children
11-19 each night
193 bed nights
8 exited homelessness
3 needed just one night on their way elsewhere
3 have consistent employment
1 life spared during early stage of a mild heart attack. Shoutout to Riley County EMS and Manhattan Fire Department in response.
This was made possible due to the generosity of First Presbyterian Church of Manhattan, KS letting us use their space, a grant from Manhattan Community Health Foundation, and an amazing group of volunteers.
