The Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. (MESI) believes that all people are valuable members of the human family, and that when treated with respect and dignity, are more likely to respond positively toward themselves and the community. It is with this spirit that Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. promotes self-sufficiency and community integration by providing safe and nurturing shelter and transitional living environments for the temporarily homeless of Manhattan.

Description:
Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. houses men, women, and families. MESI provides emergency shelter, transitional living opportunities, and individualized case management to meet the immediate needs of the homeless in Riley and surrounding counties. Additional programs are offered to improve the success of clients including referral services, life skills classes, limited transportation services and advocacy. In 2009, MESI, will be starting two permanent supportive housing programs to serve single individuals with mental illnesses and families.

History:
In 1984, Manhattan residents responded to a community wide survey, overwhelmingly proclaiming that a homeless shelter should be at the top of the community's priority list. Following the survey more than 20 Manhattan residents formed a committee to accomplish this task. On January 8, 1985, with the help of the First Presbyterian Church, the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. opened its doors for the first time. As the number of guests served each year increased, the need for a transitional living program designed to bridge the gap between independent living and permanent housing, became apparent. In 1993 the Sunflower House was purchased at 901 Leavenworth and a transitional living program was established. After ten years of successful outcomes it was clear that transitional living was a great addition to the community, and the need for expansion was evident. In July of 2003 the Fremont House, which was leased from the Manhattan Mennonite Church, and added to the transitional living program creating an environment more suited to house women and families.

The Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. is sustained largely due to grant funding. Over the past twenty years MESI has utilized many grants to maintain successful programs and services for our guests. We are currently building a new shelter to house up to forty-seven individuals.

Contact people:

Becca Simmons, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Mandy Chapman Semple, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (785) 537-1380

Address:

416 S. 4th Street Manhattan, KS 66502 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

We are on the NorthWest corner of 4th and Yuma (one block north of fort riley BLVD) look for a two story green/grey house.