December 16, 2004

Mayor Mike Rundle and

City Manager Mike Wildgen

Lawrence, KS  66044

Re:  24/7 Coverage

Dear Mr. Rundle and Mr. Wildgen:

The following proposal is for funding to provide 24 hour/7 day a week shelter and services for those in our community who are experiencing homelessness and poverty.

The Task Force on Homeless Services by vote is in overwhelming support of continued City funding of the 24/7 coverage.  This coverage has been provided through the joint efforts of the Salvation Army, Lawrence Open Shelter and the Community Drop-In Center.  This gap is specified in the Preliminary Report that will be presented to the City Commissioners in early 2005. 

The financial support the City of Lawrence provided not only offered shelter from inclement weather, but also 774 additional hours of case management and prompted the merger of the Community Drop-In Center and the Lawrence Open Shelter into the “Lawrence Community Shelter” that is now listed on the proposal.

Funding sought for the 2005 24/7 shelter services include wages only.  The revised proposal includes an increase in the wages for the evening monitors and a decrease in utilities.  The original proposal underestimated the cost for evening staff.  The lower wage forced the two evening shelters to take money from other budgeted services in order to attract qualified staff.

We would like to thank you for your continued support.  If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 760-3143 or oztalent@aol.com.

Sincerely,

Steve Ozark

Co-Chair – Coalition on Homeless Concerns

Member – Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness

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