Silverbackks

UPDATE: Electricity is back on — lunch will be served Sunday❣️
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Due to the severe storms that hit our Oakland neighborhood pretty hard, there will be NO SilverSunday lunch on Sunday, August 18.

Join us as a future SilverSunday volunteer: http://silverbackks.ivolunteer.com

Save the date to celebrate with our friends & neighbors in the Oakland community.

We have our 2nd Annual Pig Roast
coming up at the Topeka Oakland Garden on September 28!! Time is 5-8pm and all is FREE! Join us for
community, tour the garden, listen to live music and get to know
your neighbors! We build community by breaking bread together. We heal
community with sharing, laughter and the bounty that comes from the garden. Bring your lawn chairs. Hope to see you there.

😍 We are proud to partner with Topeka Public Schools and families to help supplement their hygiene needs. May all students, faculty, and staff have a successful school year.

Topeka Public Schools and the TPS Community Cupboard would like to send a special thank you to Silverbackks for their ongoing support. Each year, they generously provide countless hygiene supplies to help families in need within our community. We deeply appreciate their commitment! 🙌

Since January 2024, Topeka and Shawnee County's homeless population has increased by nine individuals according to the City of Topeka's July Point in Time Homeless Count released Thursday, August 1.

The count took place on July 17, 2024. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in the community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). More than 40 people helped with this July’s count.

According to the count, of 546 people and 433 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. Of the 546 individuals 59% of those are male, while 40% are female, and 216 are unsheltered, or not living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.

“With the rising numbers of those experiencing homelessness nationwide, we believe it's crucial to collect data more regularly,” said Carrie Higgins, housing services division director. “Given the warmer weather and anticipated increase, we are encouraged to see only a modest rise since January. The count also provides a valuable opportunity to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to services and resources in the community.”

For a more detailed look at the July 2024 numbers, visit:https://citymanager.s3.amazonaws.com/Summer+PIT+flyer.pdf

To receive funding for programs, HUD requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the city can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness.

THANK YOU, Countryside United Methodist Church, for inviting Hannah to share our mission with you. We are grateful for your support.

City of Topeka plans first summer Point in Time count of homeless Topeka will conduct its second count this year of its homeless population July 17.

THANK YOU, Stacy & friends from Tailgaters for helping us keep our neighbors in need hydrated during these hot summer months.

THANK YOU to Erin for organizing a feminine hygiene products drive with several area Walgreens stores. Did you know our hygiene program not only serves guests who attend SilverSundays, but we also we work in partnership with the Topeka Public Schools Community Closet program too.

Five Topeka properties go into city land bank to use for affordable housing Topeka Land Bank officially received five properties, which will be used for affordable housing. Here's what to know.

Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population increased by 125 people since 2023, according to the City of Topeka’s annual Point in Time Homeless Count. As advocates, we know these numbers are likely higher.

City of Topeka releases 2024 ‘Point in Time Homeless Count’ numbers

Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population has increased by 125 people since 2023, according to numbers released Friday from the City of Topeka’s annual Point in Time Homeless
Count.

The count took place on January 25, 2024. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in the community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). More than 40 people helped with this year’s count. The Topeka and Shawnee County Continuum of Care (CoC) held off on releasing their annual Point in Time data in order to collaborate with other CoC’s across the state. Statewide collaboration will not only
give them better data, but allows for more funding opportunities. However, given the recent inquires, the Topeka/ Shawnee County CoC is releasing their local data ahead of the statewide release.

Read the full release here: https://www.topeka.org/news/city-of-topeka-releases-2024-point-in-time-homeless-count-numbers/ .tab=0

Shopping this weekend? Help us stock our pantry with items we need most: individual bags of chips and treats; granola bars; fruit snacks; zippered sandwich bags; and disposable spoons. Drop these items off at Central Park Community Center during business hours and tell them they are for Silverbackks.

Know someone in need of volunteer hours? From serving meals Sunday - Thursday to providing hygiene items and bras, we couldn't do what we do without our dedicated team of volunteers. We’re looking for volunteers aged 12+ — under 16 need a guardian. All you need to do is sign up and show up: silverbackks.ivolunteer.com.

Come join some of the most dedicated volunteers in Topeka. From serving meals Sunday - Thursday to providing hygiene items and bras, we couldn't do what we do without our dedicated team of volunteers. We’re looking for volunteers aged 12+ — under 16 need a guardian. All you need to do is sign up and show up: silverbackks.ivolunteer.com.

👑 For the month of February we will be having a {{Prom Dress Drive}} where we will be accepting formal dresses to benefit the high school girls in our community to help fulfill their dreams of attending prom! 👑

👗Do you have gowns in the closet from a past event or maybe a bridesmaid dress you’ve only worn once, that are just taking up space in the closet? Consider donating them for our drive! We will be accepting New or Gently Worn formal gowns from now until March 15th! All sizes are welcome!👗

✨Girls will be invited to come in and shop, try on, and pick out the prom dress of their dreams at NO-COST to them, March 25th-April 5th!!✨(1 dress per person, Student ID is required)

⏰ Donation Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, from 10:00am-5:00pm

🌳Giving Tree Topeka
3343 SW Topeka Blvd.

More severe cold weather on the way. Here is the latest on all the warming centers and how to volunteer or donate needed items.

UPDATE: Topeka Warming Center - Extended Days of Operation now through January 21

24/7 Warming Centers:

The Topeka Warming Center: 206 NW Norris (Topeka Rescue Mission, Valeo, Breakthrough House, Street Dog Coalition)

Fellowship Hi-Crest: 455 SE Golf Park Blvd

Jerusalem/ God’s Way Church: 1407 SE 6th Street

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Overnight Warming Center only:
Central Park Christian Church: 1535 SW Clay

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Volunteer Needs @ the Topeka Warming Center and Fellowship Hi-Crest Warming Center are being coordinated by the United Way of Kaw Valley.
4 hour and 8 hour shifts available on multiple days. Sign up to volunteer at bit.ly/3tCGlyb or email Jess at [email protected].

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Volunteers needed at Jerusalem/God’s Way Church. Please call 785-414-2427 if you can help.

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Volunteers are needed to stay the night at Central Park Christian Church. Please contact Pastor Jeff at 785-845-4131 with questions and/or to volunteer!

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Donations are needed at all Warming Center locations:
Individually wrapped snacks, fruit, bottled water, protein bars, granola bars, chips/pretzels.
Cold weather gear: hand warmers, blankets, sleeping bags, waterproof gloves, hats, wool socks, men’s sweater tops & pants (all sizes), men’s and women’s boots.
Please drop off donations from
8 am - 3 pm at the Topeka Rescue Mission at 401 NW Norris.
After 3 pm, please drop them off at the Topeka Rescue Mission at 206 NW Norris.
Thank you for providing Help and Hope to those in need!

SilverSupper meals will not be served on Tuesday, January 16 due to inclement weather predictions. As a reminder, we follow Topeka 501’s inclement weather schedule. Stay safe and warm, friends.

EDIT: Topeka’s boil water advisory may impact the ability to purchase water this week. No worries. Water is a supply that we will always need, so please consider it for a future donation.

Our building follows Topeka 501’s schedule, including its implement weather schedule. If you do have a donation to drop off, please check local closing listings prior to trying to make a delivery. Thank you for your support.

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We are in need of water, Silverbackks supporters. Drop off this week: 8 to 4 on Wednesday-Friday, at our headquarters in the former Lundgren Elementary School. Entrance is in back, near the intersection of Michigan and Grant. Place the water inside our dining room, which is the 2nd door that you come to after you enter the building. Thank you!

We follow Topeka 501’s inclement weather schedule, so there will be no SilverSupper meal on Wednesday, January 10.

SilverSupper meals will not be served on Tuesday, January 9 due to inclement weather predictions. Stay safe and warm, friends.

SilverSupper meals will not be served on Tuesday, January 9 due to inclement weather predictions. Stay safe and warm, friends.

Can you give the gift of time to help our neighbors in need?

Beginning at 8 p.m., 1/8/2024, we are in need of volunteers to help out at our warming center. Shifts can be either 4 hours or 8 hours. You can sign up by following the link below. Thanks to United Way of Kaw Valley for everything and for helping us coordinate volunteers. https://unitedwaytopeka.galaxydigital.com/need/index?tag=Extreme+Weather

We could not serve our neighbors in need without the generous the gifts of time, talent, & treasure from our program leads, volunteers & community supporters. Because of your support we are able to provide meals, hygiene products, warmth items & bras for those in need throughout the year. THANK YOU! We couldn’t do it without you.

As we look ahead to the new year, we hope you will continue to join us on this journey. Our future looks bright, & we’re looking forward to growing with you in the new year. ♥️

😍

This newly built transitional home will help homeless families in Topeka Cornerstone of Topeka Inc. offers 28 transitional homes. This is its first one built from the ground up.

Are you an individual or group looking to regularly serve the youth of Topeka? SilverSuppers needs a lead volunteer at our Central Park location, from 5:15-6:15 pm on Monday nights. Contact [email protected] for more information. 🥪 🍎 🍪

Silverbackks Supporters: We have some SilverSunday guests who could use some extra support this holiday season. Let us know if you can assist with any of the following:

WAGON
A wagon has been stolen from a woman who frequently walks several blocks, using her wagon to assist her in bringing home pantry items or meals on Sundays.

BIKE
A gentleman who has been a friend of ours for many years recently had his bike stolen, and this was his primary mode of transportation.

Consider the gift of time this . From cooking or serving meals to distributing hygiene items and bras, there are many ways you could assist. All you need to do is sign up and show up: silverbackks.ivolunteer.com.

Looking for other ways to give? silverbackks.org/donations

We are so thankful for the contributions of the Alpha Phi Sorority from Washburn University. This crew of 30 gave us the gift of time this week, donating two hours to make first aid kits, crew packs, and take inventory of our supplies and food. THANK YOU❣️

What a milestone❣️Congratulations, Kenny.

Once a guest of TRM, Kenny fought a 43-year-long battle with m**h and he**in. For over 40 years “home” for Kenny was sleeping on people’s couches, under bridges and in parks, and in tents and sleeping bags exposed to the elements. Years of addiction and hard living had taken their toll until doctors told him it was a miracle his heart was still beating.

Today, at 63 years old, Kenny finally has over 4 years of sobriety and a home of his own! ​He’s already started thinking about renovation ideas and getting a dog, and has invited guests over for a house warming. He’s entered into a serious relationship for the first time in many years and has been working at TRM for 3 years, a living testament to others like him that there is life, love, and hope even after years of addiction and homelessness.

As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” With gratitude to the faith groups who help us prepare and serve meals.

If your faith group would like to volunteer, send us an email: [email protected].

Losing a job, getting sick or injured, making a bad investment, developing an addiction, becoming a victim of domestic violence, or suffering the death of a loved one are examples of circumstances that may result in people experiencing homelessness.

Seven Things You Didn't Know About Homelessness - Invisible People There’s still a lot that the average person doesn’t understand about homelessness. Here are seven facts about homelessness you might not have known before.

Silverbackks Supporters: We're trying som**hing new this year -- sponsoring a team for the Great Topeka Duck Race. What that means is that we get 50% of the proceeds from our team's duck sales. What's in it for you? A chance to win some really cool prizes while supporting our organization and many others across the community. Use the link below to purchase your ducks. Check out the Sertoma Great Topeka Duck Race to learn more about this annual tradition.

Sertoma Clubs of Topeka Duck Race: teams: Silverbackks Sertoma Clubs of Topeka Duck Race: teams: Silverbackks