Governor Laura Kelly proclaims November Homelessness Awareness Month

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation earlier this month declaring November as Homelessness Awareness Month.

Kelly signed the proclamation on Nov. 1, according to the Office of the Governor. During Homelessness Awareness Month Kelly is recognizing organizations, service providers and advocates in the state who work to address homelessness.

"It is vital for residents, businesses, and government leaders at all levels to unite in creating sustainable housing solutions, reducing stigmas, and promoting dignity for all individuals experiencing homelessness," the proclamation reads.

The City of Topeka has been grappling with an increase in homelessness in recent years. The city's most recent Point in Time Homeless Count found an 18% uptick in homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County from 2023 to 2024. Of those individuals, 62% were male and 37% were female. 203 individuals were living without an emergency shelter or transitional housing.

You can read more about efforts being taken to tackle the issue in Topeka by clicking here.

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