WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An order of nuns says it plans to allow a little-used convent in Wichita to become a shelter for homeless families. The Sisters of St. Joseph says it will hand over its 100-year-old convent to Catholic Charities. The shelter, which will be called the Mount, is expected to partially open in October or November. When a final phase opens in 2018, the building will house up to 150 residents. The Wichita Eagle reports that the sisters decided to find a better use for the convent because of a dwindling congregation. Currently 75 sisters live in the convent but it could house 130 to 150 sisters. The convent is ready for homeless families to move in but new buildings for the sisters need to be constructed on the grounds.
