Press Releases

La ciudad de Topeka y los socios comunitarios lanzaron el martes un nuevo programa que tiene como objetivo crear un enfoque comunitario más colaborativo para garantizar la equidad y el acceso a la vivienda y el refugio en Topeka.

El programa, conocido como Equity Access Shelter (E.A.S.), mejorará los servicios para personas sin hogar para garantizar que todas las personas reciban asistencia para el alquiler con un único punto de acceso. EAS está ubicado dentro de la División de Servicios de Vivienda de la Ciudad.

“Una persona que necesita asistencia para el alquiler ya no tiene que llamar a varias agencias para tratar de obtener ayuda. Un número de teléfono significa que las personas pueden acceder a la ayuda rápidamente y sin más traumas,” dijo Carrie Higgins, administradora sénior del programa de la ciudad de Topeka. “E.A.S. utiliza una evaluación para calificar el nivel de necesidad de cada individuo, así como la entrada coordinada para ayudar a esos individuos en función de la priorización.”

Los socios de E.A.S. incluyen Catholic Charities, Community Action, Doorstep, Let’s Help, Salvation Army, Topeka Housing Authority, Topeka Rescue Mission y Valeo.

El programa fue iniciado por la concejala de la ciudad de Topeka, Christina Valdivia-Alcala, e inspirado por el primer modelo de vivienda y el movimiento nacional Construido para Cero.

“El programa E.A.S. es necesario en Topeka ahora. El personal ha estado trabajando arduamente en la iniciativa durante un año. Los habitantes de Topeka están listos para obtener más información para que puedan tener fe en que la ciudad está haciendo todo lo posible para abordar la crisis crónica de personas sin hogar y, sobre todo, sin hogar que estamos experimentando. Equidad. Acceso. Refugio., se basa en un modelo similar a Built for Zero, y es crucial que todas las organizaciones que se asocian con la ciudad entiendan que es posible una reducción real y duradera de la falta de vivienda trabajando en conjunto con el punto único de entrada y la importancia vital de datos consistentes, seguimiento y compartir información para ayudar a que este programa sea un éxito,” dijo la concejal Valdivia-Alcala.

E.A.S. tiene un miembro del personal dedicado con años de experiencia en trabajo sociales en Topeka. El objetivo es que el programa se amplíe en el futuro para incluir ropa, alimentos y otros servicios.

Para comunicarse con E.A.S. y solicitar asistencia con el alquiler, llame al 785-368-9533 o envíe un correo electrónico eas@topeka.org. Los visitantes sin cita previa también son bienvenidos en el edificio Holliday de la ciudad, que está ubicado en 620 SE Madison Ave.

 

An armed suspect is deceased following an officer-involved shooting early Thursday morning in South Topeka.

On October 13, at around 12:40 a.m. officers from the Topeka Police Department (TPD) responded to a home in the 4800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. on reports of a violent domestic incident. Information indicated that a suspect, who is known to the victim, was trying to break into the victim’s home. The suspect made entry, and barricaded himself inside the house.

A short time later, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, and officers quickly located him at the Kwik Shop at 4500 SW Topeka Blvd.

While at the Kwik Shop, the suspect, armed with a knife, attempted to steal a different vehicle, occupied by two adult females and a child. Multiple officers fired at the suspect. All involved officers and bystanders are uninjured. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

TPD requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to investigate this incident. All involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is standard protocol.

The deceased individual is an adult male. The individual will not be identified until next of kin notifications have been made.  

This is preliminary information, and additional updates are expected to come from the KBI.

 

Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance Program is a foreclosure/eviction mitigation and utility prevention shut-off program created by the City of Topeka and administered by the Community Resources Council (CRC). $1.5 million in CARES Act funds will be available to qualified applicants to help cover expenses and help keep people housed and with utilities in Topeka.

“Community Resources Council, is pleased to again partner with the City of Topeka on a social service program. CRC will be providing management over-site of this essential COVID Basic Needs Assistance Program. For almost a century, CRC has been serving the Topeka/Shawnee County community in ‘minding the gap’ of social service programing and the unmet needs within our community,” said Mary Thomas the Community Resources Council Executive Officer.

“The City of Topeka knows how much our neighbors are struggling during these difficult times. The Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance program is designed to keep our neighbors housed and with their utilities on so they can focus on other needs this year,” said City Manager Brent Trout.

The Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance program is by appointment only Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Appointments should take between forty-five minutes and one hour. Walk-in appointments will be scheduled for the next available appointment or what works best for them with no exceptions. Applicants must bring all required documents (as stated on the application) at the time of the appointment to proceed. If the applicant is lacking information/documentation the appointment will be rescheduled. Applicants must be on time, after 5 minutes of grace period the appointment will be rescheduled.   c

 

Required documents participants must bring to the appointment include:

• ID or driver’s license,
• Social security number for all household members,
• Rent lease/mortgage statement,
• Past 30 days pay stubs or SSI/SSDI or Unemployment statement
• Current Utility Bills

 

Appointments can be scheduled over the phone from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling (785) 233-1365. If the line is busy, leave your name and phone number and CRC staff will call back to schedule an appointment.

Operation Food Secure is a joint initiative between the Topeka Rescue Mission, the City of Topeka, and United Way of Greater Topeka and several other partners with organizations, churches, and neighborhood groups to distribute food boxes to those in need in neighborhoods across Northeast Kansas. The City of Topeka will host mobile food sites in specified neighborhoods through September and October.

“Many families in Topeka are struggling and we want to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry at night,” said Director of Community Engagement Monique Glaudeˊ. “I am grateful to all of our partners who have stepped up and done the work to make sure our community is fed.”

Topeka Rescue Mission also offers traditional food distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm. Please drive to the Northwest end of the Distribution Center (401 Norris) where you will be able to stay in your car and receive assistance.

If you are interested in volunteering you can contact LaToya Burnett at lburnett@topeka.org or (785) 368-3663. If you are interested in hosting a site in your community and would like to serve as an Operation Food Secure Neighborhood Site Captain, please contact Marissa Dake at mdake@trmonline.org.

You can also visit these links to sign up as a volunteer:

September Volunteer link: https://unitedwaytopeka.galaxydigital.com/event/detail/?event_id=68304

 

See the attached flyer for dates and site locations for the Operation Food Secure Mobile Food Sites.

In an effort to assist in curving the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the City of Topeka Division of Community Engagement will be distributing 1,000 bottles of 20 ounce hand sanitizer into the community at Stormont Vail Event Center on Wednesday, December 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The hand sanitizer can be picked up in the Heritage Hall parking lot on SW 17^th Street. Participants will receive one free bottle of hand sanitizer per household on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, everyone will receive a resource bag containing COVID-19 information and community resources.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Photo I.D. with current address (must reside within the City limits)
• 18 years or older

 

“Taking precautions and practicing healthy habits is extremely important with the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community. Thanks to a generous donor the City of Topeka is working to help our community by providing hand sanitizer to our community,” said Monique Glaudeˊ, Division Director of Community Engagement.

14,500 bottles of FABER 20 ounce bottles of hand sanitizer was donated by an anonymous community partner. Various pop-up events hosted by the City of Topeka Division of Community Engagement will take place through April 2021.

The City of Topeka was awarded $1,157,894 from the KDOT Transportation Alternatives (TA) Grant Program to implement Phase IV of the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan/Fast-Track 2020 Update. This phase includes 12 projects ranging from small to large that will provide for safer and more connected bike facilities in neighborhoods throughout the city. Those projects include two new major connections to Downtown, a first ever connection and enhancement to a Kansas River levee trail, 8 additional connections to the Shunga, Landon, and Soldier Creek Trails, and a ¾ mile multi-use side path along NW Tyler. In addition, Shawnee County was awarded funds to complete the Deer Creek Trail between Dornwood Park and SE 29^th Street.

“This grant from the KDOT Transportation Alternatives Grant Program will better connect the city and make it safer for cyclists – two priorities we heard from the public,” said Bill Fiander, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Topeka. “The City of Topeka is proud of our growing bikeways and complete streets network that benefit all users of streets and trails regardless of how they choose to travel.”

Total project costs will be split between the TA Grant (80%) and local funds (20%). The City’s match will primarily come from the Countywide sales tax dedicated for Bikeways Master Plan implementation. Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2023. The City projects are further described below:

Downtown Connections

1. Kansas Bridge – Laurent to 1st street: Reduction of vehicle lanes and separated bike lanes on the Kansas Avenue Bridge
2. Landon to downtown connection- Reduction of travel lanes on Monroe and Quincy, separated/buffered bike lanes on Monroe, Quincy, 11th and 12th, and pedestrian lane on Monroe from 15th – 17th

 

Trail Connections (multiple areas)

3. 15th street from Kansas Ave to Shunga: Sharrows and signage
4. 6th and Branner connecting to the Shunga: 10’ Trail connection and signage
5. North Levee Trail loop: Along the levee from Kansas to Topeka- Trail surface enhancements/signage/access. Tyler north to Laurent and Laurent to Kansas- Sharrows
6. 20th and Kansas connecting to the Shunga: 10’ Trail connection and signage
7. 21st and Western connecting to the Shunga: 10’ Trail connection and signage
8. Shunga Trail connection near MacVicar and Shunga Dr: 10’ Trail connection, signage and curb ramps
9. Waddell to Soldier Creek Trail: 10’ Trail Connection, signage and curb ramps (design will be done with City Street recon project)
10. Landon Trail to Fremont on 29th: 10’ Shared use path and retaining wall
11. Liberty and California to the Shunga: 10’ Trail Connection

 

North Topeka

12. Tyler- Lyman to Paramore- 10’ Sidepath on East side (design will be done with City Street recon project)

In an increased effort to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 virus, the Planning & Development
Department is implementing an “open for business, but not business as usual” operational plan
for the foreseeable future which highly restricts any in-person contact with clients and customers.
Through this plan, the Department will be still be able to provide customary services for all
building permit, inspection scheduling, contractor licensing, and land use/zoning needs on a
daily basis while restricting any outside public access to our 3rd floor offices in the Cyrus K
Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison.
The plan includes 1) encouraging all of our customers to use online, phone, and email as the
preferred option of doing business with Department staff, 2) activating a public counter for walkin
customers in the 1st floor lobby of the Holliday Building to transact much of the daily business
including building/trade permits, contractor licenses, and initiating zoning or subdivision actions,
3) scheduling any meetings with outside customers remotely by phone or video conferencing,
and 4) scheduling any essential in-person meetings in the 1st floor Holliday Conference Room.
The Department has a “one-stop” web page at https://www.topeka.org/developmentservices/
onestop/ containing links to Development Service applications, contacts, and resources
to help customers work with us remotely. Staffing levels may be affected during the foreseeable
future so we ask customers to use non-staff dependent resources as much as possible to help your
projects get reviewed and approved in as timely a manner as possible.
In light of the crisis, the City is also reviewing protocols for required public meetings such as
with our Boards and Commissions that are necessary to complete development projects.
We strongly encourage you to call the following numbers or visit our one-stop web page should
you have questions:
 Building Permits 785-368-3704
 Contractor Licensing, Trade Permits, and Scheduling Inspections 785-368-3905
 Zoning and Subdivisions 785-368-3728
Please go to the City of Topeka website for more information on COVID-19 related policies
enacted by city departments: https://www.topeka.org/news/category/press-releases/

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count/report required by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of our local Topeka/Shawnee County Continuum of Care (CoC) funding. It provides the data needed to understand the number and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness in our community to obtain a snapshot on one single night in January. Surveys are given to people who are unsheltered, in emergency shelters and transitional housing.

Homelessness in Kansas and across the country is on the rise. In the past year, the Topeka Rescue Mission has seen record numbers of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges especially during the COVID period.

This year’s Point-In-Time Count will be held on Wednesday, January 27th from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“During this pandemic, it is important to continue with the homeless count to ensure we are putting our resources in initiatives that help the most vulnerable.” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka.  The information gathered will help Topeka to:

• Understand the face of homelessness within the community;
• Make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons;
• Raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness; and
• Measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

Help us make sure that everyone is counted!  Persons who are experiencing homelessness or if you know someone who is that wish to take the survey, please call (785) 368-0168 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27^h. Interviewers will also be available at the City Offices – Holliday Building. 620 SE Madison, Holliday Conference Room from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27^th.

Media who would like to follow an outreach team on the day of the count, please call Theresa Douthart at (785) 274-7359 in advance of the actual day to schedule a time.

Homelessness in Kansas and across the country is on the rise. In the past year, the Topeka Rescue Mission has seen record numbers of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen large increases in homeless children and youth.

Now, more than ever, it is important for us to obtain the appropriate level of funding so that we can provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness. To receive funding for programs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to complete a point-in-time count of the homeless every year.

This year’s Point-In-Time Count will be held on Wednesday, January 24 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“This is one of the important ways for Topeka to determine whether we are meeting the needs of persons experiencing homelessness,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. The information gathered will help Topeka to:

• Understand the face of homelessness within the community
• Make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons
• Raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness
• Measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness

Help us make sure that everyone is counted!

Persons who are experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, please call 785-368-0168 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on January 29th, or drop by the Rescue Mission or Let’s Help and complete a survey that day. Interviewers will also be available at the City Offices – Holliday Building. 620 SE Madison, Holliday Conference Room from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 29th.

For more information, please contact: Nesha Rogers, Housing Director, Community Action, Inc., 785-235-9296

Homelessness in Kansas and across the country is on the rise. In the past year, the Topeka Rescue Mission has seen record numbers of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen large increases in homeless children and youth.
It is important for the City of Topeka to obtain the appropriate level of funding so that we can provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness. To receive funding for programs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to complete a point-in-time count of the homeless every year.
This year’s Point-In-Time Count will be held on Wednesday, January 29 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Topeka is committed to helping the homeless in our community. The point in time homeless count is the first important step to see where the most need is in our community,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. The information gathered will help Topeka to:
• Understand the face of homelessness within the community;
• Make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons;
• Raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness; and
• Measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

Help us make sure that everyone is counted!
Persons who are experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, please call 785-368-0168 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on January 29th. Interviewers will also be available at the City Offices – Holliday Building. 620 SE Madison, Holliday Conference Room from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 29th.

Any media who would like to follow an outreach team on the day of the count, please call Theresa
Douthart at 785-274-7359 in advance of the actual day.