Coalition search for Hays homeless yields few finds

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

housing ws — A free chili supper was offered Saturday in Hays sponsored by the Hays Housing Coalition.

Saturday’s event by the Hays Housing Coalition to search out homeless people in Hays yielded no one who is truly living on the streets.

Kris Brooke of First Call for Help, along with several other volunteers and the Hays Police Department, spent two hours late Saturday afternoon looking in areas where homeless people have been known to congregate. They searched trailer parks, abandoned homes, city parks and an area near Fort Hays State University.

“We did find evidence behind FHSU that someone may be staying there. There was bedding and hygiene items kind of hidden away from view,” said Brooke.

Both Brooke and Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler agreed that Hays is “fortunate not to have a homeless problem.”

“What Hays does have is a problem with not enough affordable housing,” they said.

New underwear, socks and toiletries were given to adults and children.

A free chili supper was offered Saturday afternoon by the Hays Housing Coalition at the National Guard Armory. They were also given new underwear, socks and toiletries.

Those attending were asked to fill out a survey determining if they’re “housing challenged.”

“Nobody’s living under bridges in Hays. There are people in Hays who are ‘couch-surfing,’ ” said the Rev. Lesley Radius, Trinity Lutheran Church. “They stay with friends until the landlord finds out and are then kicked out and have to find another friend to stay with.”

“We also know of instances where several families are living together in one apartment, ” added First Call for Help Director Linda Mills.

A trained volunteer asks questions about an attendee's housing situation. — A trained volunteer asks questions about an attendee’s housing situation.

The information collected during Saturday’s event is part of a national “Point in Time” survey to assess the homeless population.

The Hays group will compile the local survey results and use it as a base to begin looking for funds to help make housing more affordable.

Another search and survey for homeless and housing-challenged residents will be conducted today by the Hays Police Department and First Call for Help.

Donations are being accepted at the Trinity Lutheran Church to offset the purchase cost of the new undergarments. “We spent $300 and any amount people can donate to cover that will help tremendously,” said Radius.

Free chili provided by Wendy's, rolls donated by Sara Lee and homemade desserts were served. The volunteers came from local churches and social service agencies. — Free chili provided by Wendy’s, rolls donated by Sara Lee and homemade desserts were served. The volunteers came from local churches and social service agencies.

“One gentleman came in during the supper just to make a donation. Hays is a wonderful community,” she said.