Wichita took a major step toward achieving "functional zero homelessness" on Wednesday with the groundbreaking of Park Landing, a new facility on North Main Street.
The project is a collaboration between the City of Wichita and nonprofit Second Light. Park Landing will offer a shelter-plus-services model, providing year-round housing combined with food, medical care, mental health treatment, and substance abuse support—all under one roof.
Kent Miracle, a Second Light board member who was once homeless in Wichita, emphasized how easily people can slip into homelessness and lose hope. He said the facility will give people an opportunity to "get dusted off and get a plan."
City Manager Robert Layton stressed that long-term success will require community support, both financially and through involvement. The city currently allocates just over $4 million annually to Second Light and will help subsidize Park Landing operations for its first two years.
Wichita's "functional zero homelessness" goal means ensuring the number of people entering homelessness never exceeds the community's capacity to house them.