As the community prepares for the Multi-Agency Center (MAC) one-stop model to fully open later this year, another progress announcement was made today. The center and the nonprofit board managing it now have a name. The site and project, formerly known as the Multi-Agency Center, is now Second Light.
“We are excited to give this transformational project the name it deserves,” said Steve Dixon, volunteer chairman of the Second Light board. “Second Light evokes the hope this project and place can bring to our neighbors experiencing or at risk for homelessness and points toward housing and achieving the community’s vision of functional zero homelessness.”
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 is a community-driven initiative designed to provide comprehensive services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming 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.
When completed later this year, Second Light will be a one-stop resource hub, bringing together multiple service providers offering wrap-around support, including housing assistance, mental health services, and substance abuse resources with year-round, low-barrier shelter beds to ensure people have a safe place to stay while accessing the services they need. The initiative aligns with Wichita’s goal of achieving “functional zero”
homelessness which is when the number of people entering homelessness is never more than the community’s ability to house them.
In addition to the service providers previously announced, more are being added every day as the community comes together to support this initiative opening later this year. Thank you to these providers who have committed to supporting Second Light with their expertise and services. 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 Veterans Affairs, Union Rescue Mission, United Methodist Open Door, United Way of the Plains.
As a next step in the development process for this new community initiative, Second Light has announced a search for its first Executive Director. This opportunity can be found at www.secondlightwichita.org under the News tab.
“This is an exciting opportunity for someone with great leadership and collaboration skills to create a nationally recognized program that will see results for people in our community because of the dedication of the many partners and organizations, including startup funding provided by the City of Wichita,” Dixon said. “This is important, life-changing work and will make a difference for years to come.”
Additional plans for this startup phase of this initiative are being finalized while the current focus is on shelter, food service, medical, mental/behavioral health and housing navigation.
For more information on Second Light, or how you can donate or volunteer, go to www.secondlightwichita.org.
For questions, reach out to info@secondlightwichita.org