“MERCY” A Women’s Emergency Overflow Shelter By Messiah’s Branch

The Problem:

From the Wichita Police Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)

Officer Nate Schwiethale

Wichita Police Department

Homeless Outreach Team

(316) 854-3013

“I would quote me saying that our HOT team has had “more trouble finding shelters for women than men as their isn’t a night time emergency shelter that we have found that will take a female (except during the winter at the overflow which is now done).”

From the Wichita Mission Church by Messiah’s Branch

900 south Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211

Pastor Dan Catlin
(316)  619-4886

We have been working with the Wichita Homeless since June of 2000, this year June 2013 will start our 14^th year. During this time many homeless agencies have came to refer the people they cannot help to us.

(You can find more out about Messiah’s Branch with news media clips and other info at www.wichitahomeless.com)

Problem: is when you call around to the women’s shelters is that they are generally always full no beds, when they have a bed open then the woman must make an appointment to see if they fit into the program that the shelter has.

(This means nothing after business hours, we should note there is a big need for family shelters as most are always full)

Problem: many times if a woman is not abused or has a drug problem then they do not fit into the various agencies programs so even if there is a bed available because the woman does not meet the guidelines then no bed.

Problem:

Winter-Overflow

Interfaith from November through March has been running a men and women’s overflow. They can come in at any hour of the night and are given a place to sleep but are out the same time every morning weather permitting. This is needed all year around and we are unsure how long Interfaith will do this anyway as they have been trying to push the city for a permanent solution.

(Messiah’s Branch believes the permanent solution would be a 24/7 men and women walk in emergency overflow shelter year round)

Solution for women

What is needed is what is called overflow beds, meaning beds available when normal shelters do not have room hence “overflow”. This should be treated as an emergency problem so that women no matter when they go homeless day or night can find a safe bed and a shower. This means an overflow is open for 12 hours a day from 7 PM till 7AM.

 

What happens to them in the daytime?

The women need to connect with the various services located at the Open Door Drop in Center that can find more permanent solutions for the women. These services are available through the  drop in center.

 

“MERCY”

A Women’s Emergency Overflow Shelter

By Messiah’s Branch 

Messiah’s Branch Mission Church: has been donated a 2511 square foot 4 plex building in which will be converted into a 24 bed overflow called Mercy.

Mercy will also be able to take in on very temporary basis other women if the beds are full. Last year from we were told the highest capacity at anyone given night at the women’s overflow was 20 women, however Pastor Dan Catlin (PD from now on) thinks Mercy will run at full capacity with the need for expansion.

If you are interested in supporting this effort you can become a supporter.

GO HERE FOR A VIDEO OF SHELTER

Right now we are needed monthly Supporters to keep the shelter running.
We also need to raise money to renovate and make ready for the women. If you are interested

You can mail donations to
Messiah's Branch
900 south Broadway
Wichita, Ks 67211

If you are in Wichita you can bring them by or make arrangements with Pastor Dan Catlin by calling
316-619-4886

Checks or money orders should be made payable to
Messiah's Branch with a notation for

Greatest Needs

Mission Church

Mercy (Woman's Overflow)

Food

Or You can donate here