In July of 2023, a contingent of community partners announced a plan to reach functional zero for unhoused veterans in the Wichita community in 2024. Functional zero homelessness is defined as when the number of people experiencing homelessness never exceeds the community’s capacity to move people into permanent housing. Those who served our country deserve to be taken care of once their service is over. This goal is shared by a large contingent of organizations in Wichita – from elected officials at the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County, to the agencies and individuals serving on our Continuum of Care, to religious organizations, veteran service providers and more.
We know that our community is a giving one. We are asking business owners and individuals to join us to help our veterans when they need us most. From moving companies, to landlords, to nursing facilities, to furniture and home goods, and groceries, job training, medical care and more – it will take a community coming together to help reach this goal. We believe in Wichita, and we believe that together we can do this.
How to Help
Move in Kits
One item our unhoused residents need the most are household goods to get them started once they get their housing. Move in Kits are put together to provide them a head start on supporting themselves in their new home. Items in the kit include:
- 1 pillow
- 1 set of sheets
- 1 blanket
- 1 laundry basket
- 1 shower curtain
- 2 plates
- 2 cups
- 2 bowls
- 4 forks
- 4 spoons
- 4 knives
- 1 cookie sheet
- 1 skillet
- 1 cooking pot
- 1 can opener
- 1 large mixing spoon
- 2 towels
- 4 wash cloths
- 1 container of all-purpose cleaner
Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center – Voluntary Services Accepts Donations for Homeless Veterans
- Please consider making a
monetary donation online.
- For in person, please bring items to building 29 and call 316-685-2221 ext 53222. Please make checks payable to:
Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center
5500 E. Kellogg
Wichita, KS 67218
Housing
If you are a landlord looking to make one or more of your units available to rent to one of our veterans in need, please contact VA Housing Specialist Kristi Evans at 316-889-4417.
Moving Help
Our unhoused vets need a little help moving furniture into their new spaces. If you have a moving company or can donate your time, please contact HUD/VASH Program Manager Melissa Garner at 316-295-9019.
Furniture
We are looking for new or gently used furniture including:
- Beds
- Couches
- Kitchen tables
- Kitchen chairs
- Chairs
- Side tables
- Coffee tables
- Bureaus
- Lamps
- Rugs
- TVs
Please contact Passageways 316-721-1316 to coordinate donations.
Partners
We would like to take an opportunity to thank all the agencies currently helping in this endeavor. They include:
- American Legion Post 4
- Mental Health Association of South Central C
- Blessed Sacrament St. Vincent DePaul
- City of Wichita
- DAV
- Fountain of Life Ministries
- Greater Wichita Partnership
- HumanKind
- KanVets
- Mental Health & Substance Coalition
- Passageways
- Project Hope
- Sedgwick County
- UMOD
- United Way
- SSVF Catholic Charities
- SSVF Salvation Army
- URM
- Veterans Affairs
- Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
