Second Light

What is Second Light?

Second Light is a new center for homeless services located in Wichita, Kansas. Housed in the former Park Elementary School at 1025 N. Main, this facility aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The center is designed to be a one-stop resource hub, offering a range of services to help people achieve stable housing and improve their quality of life.

Benefits

Second Light offers several key benefits to the community:

• Comprehensive Services: The center provides year-round, low-barrier shelter beds, food, housing assistance, mental health services, and substance abuse resources. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive the support they need to address various aspects of homelessness.
• Collaborative Effort: Second Light brings together multiple service providers, including HumanKind, Lord’s Diner, Breakthrough Club, and many others. This collaboration allows for a coordinated and efficient delivery of services.
• Community Impact: By aligning with Wichita’s goal of achieving 'functional zero' homelessness, Second Light aims to create a sustainable solution that benefits the entire community. The center’s efforts are expected to make a significant, long-term difference in the lives of those it serves.

Use Cases

Second Light is designed to serve a variety of needs for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Some of the primary use cases include:

• Emergency Shelter: The center provides emergency shelter beds, offering a safe and warm place for individuals to stay during the night. This is particularly important during the winter months when temperatures can drop significantly.
• Housing Assistance: Second Light offers resources and support to help individuals find and maintain stable housing. This includes assistance with rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: The center provides access to mental health services and substance abuse resources, helping individuals address underlying issues that may contribute to their homelessness.
• Food and Nutrition: Second Light offers food and nutrition services, ensuring that individuals have access to nutritious meals and snacks.

Additional Information

Second Light is currently searching for its first Executive Director. This role presents an exciting opportunity for someone with strong leadership and collaboration skills to create a nationally recognized program that will have a lasting impact on the community. The position can be found on the Second Light website under the News tab.

Since November, HumanKind Ministries, Inc., has been providing emergency winter shelter at the site, serving hundreds of people each day. As construction is underway, plans call for emergency housing to be provided in a different part of the building. Second Light is expected to fully open later this year, marking a significant milestone in Wichita’s efforts to address homelessness.