Press Releases

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.

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 23 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,” 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 23rd, 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 23th.

The point-in-time count of homeless persons in Topeka took place on January 25^th. In 2017 the Topeka Rescue mission saw a record number of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen an increase in homeless children and youth. There was an increase in the point-in-time count from last year. In 2017 there were 356 people experiencing homelessness, this year that number jumped to 419.

 

“The point-in-time count helps us to identify those people in need and to attain the resources that we need to help them,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “We want to thank all the volunteers who helped us with the count and who are helping to make this community better.”

 

The information gathered during the point-in-time count helps the City of Topeka understand the face of homelessness in the community so that we can make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons. This count also helps to raise public awareness surrounding issues with homelessness and measures the community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

 

The City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division has totaled the numbers from this year’s point-in-time count. This one day event produced a snapshot of individuals in our community experiencing homelessness. This data supports federal funding for both the Continuum of Care initiative and Housing and Urban Development.

 

• 419 People experiencing homelessness.
• 332 Households experiencing homelessness.
• 183 individuals have a serious mental illness.
• 153 individuals are chronically homeless.
• 66% of people were in an emergency shelter, 17% were in transitional housing and 15% were unsheltered.

 

Fifty-four individuals helped with the point-in-time homeless count, including thirty-eight community volunteers. Below is a chart that details and compares the numbers from 2017 and 2018.

2017                                        2018

 

People	356	419
Households	274	322
% of single adults	69	88
% of adults with children	31	12
% of youth households	3	7
% of veteran households	22	19
People with serious mental illness	161	183
People who are chronically homeless	119	153
People with a substance abuse disorder	58	69
People who are victims of domestic violence	93	34
% in an emergency shelter	74	66
% in transitional housing	16	17
% unsheltered	10	15

 

¿Qué puedo hacer o que no puedo hacer durante un aviso de hervir el agua?

Tanto KDHE como la CDC cuentan con orientación sobre un aviso de agua hervir el agua. Algunas preguntas a las que puede encontrar respuestas en los siguientes enlaces incluyen:

• ¿Qué sucede si tengo un sistema de filtración de agua?

• ¿Cómo me lavo las manos o me cepillo los dientes de forma segura durante el aviso?

• ¿Puedo lavar los platos o lavar la ropa?

KDHE: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2599/Boil-WaterAdvisory-Consumer-Information-PDF

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/drinking-wateradvisories/boil-water-advisory.html

Si aún tiene preguntas adicionales, comuníquese con KDHE al 785-296-5514.

Soy cliente del distrito de agua rural (RWD), ¿cómo sé si estoy afectado?

Si usted es cliente del distrito de agua rural, comuníquese directamente con su distrito para averiguar si está bajo el aviso. Si no está seguro de en qué distrito de agua rural se encuentra, visite: https://krwa.net/ONLINE-RESOURCES/RWDMaps/Shawnee

¿Qué debo hacer si creo que consumí agua posiblemente contaminada?

Si cree que consumió agua posiblemente contaminada, póngase en contacto con su médico de atención primaria para obtener orientación.

¿Cuándo se levantará el aviso de hervir el agua?

Se anticipa que el aviso de hervir el agua esté en efecto hasta al menos el viernes 19 de enero de 2024.

¿Por qué tardará tanto en levantar el aviso?

Tenemos que dejar tiempo para que el agua fresca lave el sistema antes de comenzar el proceso de muestreo. Tenemos varias estaciones de datos alrededor de la ciudad y las estamos monitoreando para verificar que el agua esté fluyendo a través del sistema de distribución. Una vez que estemos seguros de que haya sucedido, comenzaremos nuestro régimen de muestreo. Con más de 60 millones de galones de agua fluyendo por todo nuestro sistema, se necesitará tiempo para eliminarlo.

¿Qué causó este problema?

Los bajos niveles de agua en el río causa tensión en el sistema por diversos motivos, como un aumento de la turbidez. Cuando se combina con temperaturas extremadamente bajas, pone aún más tensión en el sistema, las tuberías y el equipo. Después de pasar por todo el sistema, el personal descubrió una tubería de gas de PVC rota en nuestro sistema de gas de cloro. Creemos que se haya agrietado debido a las temperaturas extremadamente frías.

¿Se aplica el aviso de hervir el agua a las mascotas?

Se deben tomar las mismas precauciones para las mascotas que para los seres humanos. Hierva agua o use agua embotellada para mascotas.

¿Proporcionará la ciudad ayuda con el agua embotellada?

Actualmente, no estamos planificando ninguna asistencia con agua embotellada. Queremos aclarar que no tenemos escasez de agua en nuestro sistema de distribución. Simplemente pedimos a los consumidores que hiervan el agua como medida de precaución antes de beber o preparar alimentos.

Soy dueño de un restaurante o establecimiento de comida; ¿cómo me afecta esto?

Los restaurantes y otros establecimientos de alimentos que tengan preguntas sobre el impacto del aviso de hervir el agua en sus negocios pueden comunicarse con el programa de seguridad alimentaria y alojamiento del Departamento de Agricultura de Kansas en kda.fsl@ks.gov o llamar al 785- 564-6767.

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