FAQs
What you need to know.
Answers to your questions about how Second Light supports our community and those in need.
What is Second Light?
Second Light is an innovative community-driven initiative designed to provide services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. For the first time in Wichita, a low-barrier shelter and critical services are co-located in one place at 1025 N. Main. This new Shelter + Services model launched as a community-driven initiative to achieve functional zero homelessness.
What is Functional Zero Homelessness?
Functional zero homelessness is when the number of people entering homelessness is never more than the community’s ability to house them quickly.
What Does Second Light Mean?
The name was developed with engagement from the community including service providers, the homelessness task force and those with lived experience of being homeless. Second Light speaks to renewal, hope, and the moment when darkness gives way to possibility. It represents a fresh start for those seeking stability, a guiding path toward healing and housing, and the reassurance that every life has another chance to shine.
Why Do We Need Second Light?
At any point, nearly 800 people in our community are experiencing homelessness. In addition, 25% of those are not in any shelter and this is increasing every year.
When Does Second Light Officially Open?
Second Light is under construction to achieve the vision of providing additional year-round, 24-7 low-barrier shelter beds co-located with services designed to move people from homelessness to housing. These renovations are taking place in phases in both the one-story and two-story buildings through early 2026. Meanwhile, Second Light is open for emergency winter shelter Through March 15, 2026.
Who Will Provide Services at Second Light?
Housed at 1025 N. Main, dozens of partners will provide services such as mental and physical health, substance misuse resources and housing navigation all co-located with low-barrier shelter beds designed to create a path towards housing.
Partners include:
HumanKind, Lord’s Diner, Breakthrough Club, City of Wichita, Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita / Sedgwick County, GraceMed Health Clinic, Hunter Health, ICT Street Team, Mental Health America of South Central Kansas, Sedgwick County COMCARE, Sedgwick County Health Department, Substance Abuse Center of Kansas, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Union Rescue Mission, United Methodist Open Door, United Way of the Plains.
Who Funds Second Light?
Second Light is supported by public and private funding, including initial funding of $11 million in City of Wichita ARPA funding to renovate the building and launch operations.
How Can Those In Need Receive Help at Second Light?
Second Light is supported by public and private funding, including initial funding of $11 million in City of Wichita ARPA funding to renovate the building and launch operations.
How Can Those In Need Receive Help at Second Light?
Second Light is supported by public and private funding, including initial funding of $11 million in City of Wichita ARPA funding to renovate the building and launch operations.
- Individuals seeking shelter can call 316-201-1066 to check availability in the Shelter + Services program.
- During the Emergency Winter Shelter season, Second Light will open their doors to anyone in the unhoused community who needs a warm, safe place to sleep and access meals. The shelter is open for guest arrive daily from 8 a.m. – 11p.m. which most services available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Curfew is at 11 p.m. each night.
- Guests are welcome to bring personal belongings, and the shelter will do its best to offer storage options. Please note that pets cannot be accommodated inside the building at this time. Substance use is not allowed on site, but staff are available to connect guests with supportive treatment resources upon request.
If you have questions or need additional information, please reach out at info@secondlightwichita.org
How Can I Donate to Second Light?
How Can I Volunteer for Second Light?
As Second Light officially opens in early 2026, there will be many volunteer opportunities. For more information, please reach out to info@secondlightwichita.org.