Topeka drop-in mental illness center needs new home

? A drop-in center for the mentally ill in Topeka is looking for a new home, and it’s running out of time.

The Sunshine Connection was founded by Judy Thompson in the mid-1990s. It’s a drop-in center that provides food and social activities for the mentally ill. About 60 to 100 people use the services every day.

It has been renting space at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Topeka, but Thompson has been told the group has to be out by June 1. Thompson says she has contacted several other Topeka churches and buildings, but has had no luck.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported Monday that the group needs a place that has a kitchen, handicap access and is willing to let the people who use the service smoke outside.