Douglas County United Way adds a new member agency to its list
The Lawrence Community Shelter will become the 27th Douglas County organization funded by the United Way. Enlarge video
A downtown homeless shelter is set to receive a financial boost from the United Way of Douglas County.
The United Way announced Thursday that the Lawrence Community Shelter had been added to the list of agencies eligible to receive money generated through its annual fundraising drive.
"This obviously could mean some more money for us," said Loring Henderson, the shelter's director. "But I think it also means some acceptance by the community and recognition for the role that we play in the community."
Jo Bryant, president of the United Way of Douglas County, said the group's board of directors unanimously approved adding the shelter to the list of agencies eligible for funding.
"The Lawrence Community Shelter is making a concerted effort to alleviate homelessness in our community," Bryant said. "The list of diverse services the agency provides to its clients is impressive."
How much new money the shelter will receive isn't yet known. The shelter won't be eligible to receive United Way funding until 2008. Henderson said any new money would be used to bolster existing programs, such as case management, prescription drug assistance and job skills training.
The shelter has about $500,000, although about $175,000 of the budget comes from in-kind services and noncash donations.
Henderson said the shelter would continue to do its own private fundraising and look for a new location. The shelter is operating at 944 Ky. under a three-year land use permit from the city. Several neighbors have said they think the operation is disruptive to the area.
Henderson said he's looking for new locations but has nothing new to report yet.
"There's no question that we want out of here, too," Henderson said. "We're still being aggressive."
The United Way will begin its next fundraising drive in August, and it will run through mid-November. Last year's campaign raised $1.6 million.
Napoleon Crews, a spokesman for the United Way, said the shelter was the only organization added to the United Way's list of eligible agencies. No agency was dropped from the list.
Comments
shiloh 10 years, 2 months ago
As an LCS volunteer I am extremely glad that they are going to soon be getting funding from the United Way. LCS provides numerous services that support the people who use them in bettering their lives. Congratulations LCS and thank you United Way!
blackwalnut 10 years, 2 months ago
People are so selfish. Thank God not all people are.
There but for the grace of God...
We didn't all come into this world with the same box of tools. Most of the homeless have psychiatric illnesses. A decent society would treat them.
erod0723 10 years, 2 months ago
"Sad! Glad I stopped gi ving to united way."
What's sad is that you find it wrong or apprehensible to donate money to help out our local homeless population. Many of the homeless people are genuine and caring people, if you have ever spent 5 minutes of your day talking to one. Most are not looking for handouts, but have fallen on hard times do to alcohol or drug abuse, mental health problems, or unemployment. These people should not be written off as hopeless cases.
Nate Poell 10 years, 2 months ago
This is really good news. Loring has put an unbelievable amount of work into the LCS, and it's great to see that other people and organizations are coming onboard to help.
Bassetlover 10 years, 2 months ago
Bravo to United Way for taking on the Community Shelter. This organization has worked tirelessly to help the homeless and it is terrific to see them partner with United Way. It's a win-win for our community. Those who refuse to donate to United Way are blissfully ignorant of the true facts behind their funding. Thankfully, the United Way Board doesn't have the same bias some of our posters do. Keep up the great work, Loring Henderson and your board. You deserve the best for trying to make a difference in the lives of the homeless.
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