One of Wichita’s only shelters designed specifically for families with minor children.
Housing is the first step to hope
Since 1980, St. Anthony has supported unhoused families by providing shelter, daily meals, basic necessities and help securing stable housing.
The uncertainty of homelessness creates many hardships for families, starting with the absence of a safe and stable home.
Securing housing is our main priority, but not our only one.
We want St. Anthony to be the final shelter for our residents before they transition into stable, long-term affordable housing.
We provide education in financial literacy, parenting and essential life skills tailored to the needs of families in our shelter, empowering them to build independence and stability. Through workforce support and employment assistance, we give families not just shelter, but hope for a brighter future.
What to Expect
Creating routine and normalcy for families living in our shelter
We aim to make daily life feel as comfortable and familiar as possible for our residents, knowing that staying in a shelter brings unique challenges.
Residents can expect:
- Safety and peace of mind in a secure facility.
- Separate furnished residential units, each with a family room, bedroom and bathroom, providing privacy for up to 13 families.
- Three meals per day in our dining room.
- Indoor activity and play space.
- Outdoor playground and picnic area.
- Personal hygiene and room cleaning supplies, as well as on-site laundry facilities.
- Health assessments and referrals for medical needs.
- Special attention to children’s schooling, health and developmental needs.
- Referrals for drug, alcohol and mental health counseling.
Help from Case Managers
Every family works with specialized case managers
Our friendly case managers help families develop housing plans, access support services, find employment and connect with community resources.
With specialists in housing, employment and child advocacy all on-site, parents can address multiple needs simultaneously without leaving our shelter.
Eligibility
How you come to us is not how you leave
We consider families in need of shelter on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible, families must:
- Be currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness, having received an eviction notice, asked to leave temporary housing or staying with friends or family who can no longer provide shelter.
- Be a family unit. Families can be one or both adult parents or a relative adult caregiver with one or more dependent children under the age of 18. Family units must include at least one minor child.
- All adults must have photo identification.
- All children must have an ID. We accept Social Security cards, medical records, personal identification form (PIF), school IDs, City of Wichita ID, birth certificates and vaccination records.
- The length of stay is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Is your family in need of shelter?
To discuss your needs or apply for our shelter, call us at (316) 264-7233. We’re here for you. Our friendly staff will gather information about your family and situation, as well as answer your questions about our program.
Donate
Support the work helping the unhoused
Consider making a financial contribution or in-kind donation to continue the important work of St. Anthony Family Shelter.
FAQs About St. Anthony Family Shelter
Good questions
Someone in my family has a criminal history. Are they still eligible to come into shelter?
We are not able to accept any registered sex offenders. However, people with other misdemeanors and felony backgrounds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can St. Anthony provide me with a Housing Choice (formerly known as Section 8) voucher?
Housing Choice vouchers are handed out by the City of Wichita, and our staff have no control who receives them or when they are assigned.
Does St. Anthony offer help with utility and rental assistance?
We do not have any funding to help with rent or utility bills. If you are behind on these expenses, please call the United Way 211 resource line or visit their website.
I’m a single adult. Can I stay at St. Anthony Family Shelter?
While St. Anthony Family Shelter is only for families with minor children (under the age of 18), we are happy to help single individuals and couples without children find other shelters or resources in Wichita that can serve their needs.
Do we need to be Catholic to seek shelter?
No, you do not need to be Catholic to be considered for the shelter. We welcome families from all faith backgrounds and those with no faith background at all.