Mission
Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. provides safe shelter and housing stabilization services for the homeless individuals and families of Manhattan.
Board of Directors
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Marc Kent, President
Emily Dixon, Vice President Melissa Klick, Treasurer Jeff Sackrider Brad Heise Nick Messer Jessica Darrow Ashley Fuhrman John Conley |
Statistics
MESI continually responds to several hundred incidents of homelessness and requests for emergency services every year. During 2023, 405 homeless individuals, including 70 children, stayed in the Caroline Peine Transitional Shelter.
MESI provides a unique service in Riley County, as it is the only emergency shelter available to homeless men, women and families. In addition, MESI is the only agency in the region offering supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and emergency shelter programs.
MESI provides a unique service in Riley County, as it is the only emergency shelter available to homeless men, women and families. In addition, MESI is the only agency in the region offering supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and emergency shelter programs.
Housing in Our Community
Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. has witnessed several factors that have contributed to a lack of affordable rental units for the low income individuals MESI serves. Public housing waiting lists can be up to one year for single individuals. Additionally, public housing authorities have strict acceptance guidelines, potentially disqualifying individuals with a criminal history, poor landlord references, or a history of eviction. These barriers are applicable to the majority of MESI’s clients—eliminating their ability to obtain traditional subsidized housing. The guidelines for tax credit housing are as stringent and the units are less affordable. Private landlords are now using leasing applications, requiring an application fee up to $50, and running credit and criminal background checks. Homeless individuals typically have poor credit due to their many financial struggles and lack the immediate resources to pay application fees only to be repeatedly denied. In addition, there is fierce competition for these units from university students and Ft. Riley soldiers. Landlords are reluctant to take the risk of leasing to a homeless individual or family when more fiscally sound renters are available. As a result, MESI clients often rent overpriced, sub-standard units which perpetuate instability and homelessness.
