Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Wichita, KS

In Wichita, Kansas, the challenge of homelessness is met by a range of programs and services, some of which include hotel or motel vouchers as temporary housing solutions when conventional shelters are full or inaccessible. This article explores how these voucher programs work, who can access them, what limitations they face, and how individuals in need or community supporters can navigate the system.

What are hotel/motel vouchers?

Hotel or motel vouchers are short-term accommodations paid for by a nonprofit organization or government funding source. They act as an emergency stop-gap when a person or family experiencing homelessness cannot be placed immediately into a shelter or longer-term housing. These vouchers help ensure there is a safe place to stay, particularly in colder months or during capacity constraints.

Who qualifies for hotel/motel voucher assistance?

While exact eligibility varies by funder and agency, typical criteria include:

• Experiencing homelessness or being unsheltered (living on the streets, in a vehicle, etc.).

• Being unable to access a standard shelter bed (due to capacity, family size, accessibility issues, or special needs).

• Engaging with a referring agency (case manager, homeless outreach team, etc.) who can assess their need and facilitate the voucher.

• Often being in touch with the local centralized “coordinated entry” system (the point of access for homeless services in Wichita/Sedgwick County).

For example, the HOT (Homeless Outreach Team) brochure lists outreach resources to connect individuals to available housing and shelter options.

Best Places to find Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Wichita, KS

Here are five strong resources in Wichita, KS where individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability can seek help — including hotel/motel vouchers or other emergency housing assistance. I’ve described how each one works, how to access them, and any specific tips.

1. HumanKind Ministries

Location: 829 N Market St., Wichita, KS 67214.

HumanKind Ministries run the shelter facility known as “The Inn” (60-bed, 24-hour) and “Second Light Shelter” for winter months.

While they don’t explicitly list “hotel vouchers,” they mention helping homeless individuals apply for housing vouchers (e.g., the studio-apartments via vouchers).

Call the main number (316-264-9303) and ask for outreach or case-management; tell them you’re unsheltered and need emergency placement.

Tip: Because capacity is often full, ask if they coordinate with other agencies for motel/hotel overflow.

2. Catholic Charities Wichita – Rapid Re-Housing Program

Provide temporary rental assistance & deposit assistance to individuals/families experiencing homelessness.

Even though it isn’t explicitly a hotel voucher program, they help with temporary housing support which may assist someone coming out of an unsheltered state.

You must qualify as homeless per HUD definition; needs referral from a homeless service provider.

Tip: If you are unsheltered and stuck, contact them and ask about “rapid re-housing” or short-term assistance while you transition out of unstable housing.

3. Center of Hope

Center of Hope provide emergency assistance (rent & utility), and case management for people at risk of homelessness.

Though not explicitly hotel vouchers, they act as a referral/gateway to emergency housing resources and may direct you to voucher or motel stay options.

Call 316-267-0222 during business hours for intake.

Tip: When you call, clearly state your situation: “I have no shelter, need immediate safe place to stay.” They may connect you with agencies offering motel vouchers or emergency placements.

4. Wichita Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)

Wichita Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) provide outreach to unsheltered people, connects them with services (mental health, substance use, job support, shelter referral).

They can refer you to services including emergency housing placements and vouchers. They will assess your situation and help navigate to the right agency.

Call 316-854-3013. They also advise calling 2-1-1 as a general resource.

Tip: If you are unsheltered and have not connected with any service, this might be a good first step—they can bring services to you and help with accessing motel voucher options indirectly.

5. Wichita Housing Authority / City of Wichita Housing & Community Services

Wichita Housing Authority / City of Wichita Housing & Community Services provides Administer housing vouchers (like the Housing Choice Voucher program) and emergency housing vouchers (EHV) for people experiencing homelessness.

While not a motel-voucher program per se, these vouchers can transition you into permanent housing, which is often the goal after a temporary stay in motel/hotel. Wichita has been noted for high utilization of such vouchers.

Contact the Housing & Community Services Dept at the City of Wichita (Phone: 316-462-3700) or go to their office at 455 N Main, 10th Floor.

Tip: Ask specifically about “emergency housing vouchers” or “EHV” and whether you can get a referral from a homeless service provider. These often require a referral.

How to Apply for Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Wichita, KS

Step 1: Call United Way 2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to connect with the United Way of the Plains.

Tell them: “I’m homeless in Wichita and need help finding a hotel or motel voucher.”

The 2-1-1 operators will assess your situation and refer you to an agency currently providing vouchers or emergency shelter.

Website: https://www.unitedwayplains.org/211/

Step 2: Contact Local Shelter or Outreach Agencies

The following Wichita organizations are key providers or referral partners for motel voucher assistance:

• HumanKind Ministries
• Catholic Charities Wichita – Rapid Rehousing Program
• Center of Hope, Inc.
• Wichita Police Department – Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)

Step 3: Complete an Intake or Referral

Once you reach an agency:

You may be asked to fill out an intake form or speak with a case manager.

Provide identification (if you have it), describe your living situation, and explain your immediate need for shelter.

Case managers will determine if you qualify and issue a hotel voucher or refer you to another provider.

Step 4: Get Transportation and Placement

After approval:

The agency will often contact a partner motel and arrange your stay directly.

You may receive a paper voucher or digital confirmation.

Some programs offer transportation assistance (bus pass, ride, or shuttle) to the motel.

Step 5: Follow Up for Ongoing Support

Hotel vouchers are temporary — usually lasting 1 to 7 days. While using one:

Stay in touch with your case manager.

Ask about transitional or permanent housing programs, such as the Wichita Housing Authority’s Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV).

Look into resources for employment, healthcare, and financial assistance.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply early in the day. Vouchers are limited and often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Be honest about your situation. Agencies use your information to prioritize those most in need.

3. Stay reachable. Provide a phone number or check back in person if possible.

4. Ask about other options. If no motel vouchers are available, request a referral to nearby shelters or transitional housing.

5. Keep documents handy. An ID or proof of local residency (if available) helps speed up the process.

Conclusion

If you are in Wichita and experiencing homelessness or are at immediate risk, motel or hotel voucher assistance may be an option — particularly when traditional shelters are inaccessible. Your best starting point is dialing 211, connecting with the Homeless Outreach Team, and working with a case manager at a local agency. The voucher can give you breathing space — a secure place to stay, while you transition to more stable housing.