LAWRENCE, Kan. —  Lawrence leaders informed those experiencing homelessness who stay at the city-sanctioned support site that a new safety policy will take effect Monday, April 24.

The city consulted with experts and individuals with lived experience to design the policy using best practices.

“Our goal has always been to help our at-risk neighbors experiencing homelessness,” City’s Homeless Programs Project Specialist Cicely Thornton said. “As the camp has evolved through time, needs also continue to change. We believe the people we serve should be afforded as much safety and privacy as possible while they work with community partners toward a more sustainable solution.”

The new policies will be posted at the site.

Volunteers can continue to donate items for those in need. Those providing mental health support and community outreach services can also sign in as approved support visitors.

Site residents will need to sign the expectations and rules agreement.

The city-sanctioned support site opened in October of 2022 due to a shortage of in-shelter beds. Lawrence city leaders approved the creation of a pallet village of 75 small cabins constructed by Pallet Homes.