(Photo via sxc.hu)Just how bad is the homeless problem in Kansas? Solid, statewide numbers are hard to come by, but one can get a sense of the problem by taking a look at the city of Topeka. This week, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported that there were 580 homeless students enrolled in the 501 school district. That's an increase of more than 200 students from 10 years ago. The Topeka Rescue Mission says its homeless shelter is filled to capacity and expansion plans are in the works. KPR's J. Schafer recently spoke with the executive director of the Rescue Mission, Barry Feaker, to learn more about the homeless - a group Feaker's been working with for nearly 30 years.
That's Barry Feaker, Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission. He's written a book about his work during the past three decades. It's called, In Darkness a Light Still Shines: 52 Stories of Hope, Gleaned from the Homeless, Poor and those who Care for Them. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help the homeless shelter.
Visit the Topeka Rescue Misssion website by clicking here.
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Homeless Problem Getting Worse in Topeka, Across KS
The Topeka Rescue Mission served more than 2,000 people - and more than a half million meals - in 2012. The Rescue Mission's executive director, Barry Feaker, says the homeless problem in Topeka - and across the state - has grown over the years... and is getting worse.
Feaker, who's been working at the mission for nearly 30 years, has written a book about his experiences. It's called, "In Darkness a Light Still Shines." Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help the homeless shelter. The Rescue Mission is already filled to capacity but plans are in the works to expand.