photo by: Shawn Valverde

The site of the future Pallet Shelter Village at 256 N. Michigan St. is pictured on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

The City of Lawrence announced Monday that construction at Lawrence’s Pallet Shelter Village is set to start in about a week, along with details about which vulnerable groups will be a priority to shelter.

Monday’s announcement notes that these details were shared a week ago with residents of two ZIP codes in the Pinkney neighborhood; the planned village is located in the neighborhood at 256 N. Michigan St. In that mailer, the city informed neighbors that construction of the shelters that will make up what the city’s calling “The Village” will take place Nov. 28 through Dec. 2, barring inclement weather or unexpected delays.

As for which vulnerable groups the city has identified as a priority for The Village, that includes veterans, elderly individuals, women without children emerging from domestic violence situations and individuals with disabilities who require specialized support and care. That mailer also notes that individuals with previous violent offenses will not be allowed in The Village.

“The Village will offer a safe haven, not just in terms of accommodation but also as a supportive community for those in need,” the city’s release reads. “With a focus on fostering dignity, safety and support, this effort endeavors to reintegrate these individuals into society by providing them with essential resources and assistance.”

As the Journal-World reported, the city is banking on the Lawrence Community Shelter to be a key role at The Village. Last week, Homeless Programs Coordinator Misty Bosch-Hastings told the Journal-World that discussions with the shelter about potentially operating The Village are ongoing.

Once construction is complete, The Village will be home to 50 cabins that are each 64 square feet. The release did not mention an opening date, but the city has said previously that it hoped to have open by the end of the year.