TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Topeka Rescue Mission has announced plans to buy a 11,300-square foot warehouse to help handle an increase in homeless people needing shelter.
Barry Feaker, executive director of the mission, says the purchase of the warehouse could help the mission serve 70 percent more homeless people that it’s currently helping. Feaker said an increase in the number of homeless people in Topeka has put a strain on the mission.
The Topeka Capital Journal reports that Feaker said Thursday the mission plans to take possession of the warehouse on Monday.
The mission now has a capacity of about 266, and the warehouse would allow them to serve up to an additional 200 homeless people. Feaker says the building could be renovated and ready by next summer.