Valeo Behavioral Health Care and the Topeka Rescue Mission Announce the Mobile Access Partnership (MAP)

The first component of MAP to launch is a state of the art mobile facility that provides shower, laundry, and restrooms to Topeka’s unsheltered population and other individuals in need. Later this year, MAP will be launching a mobile food pantry and a mobile health service unit. Uniting these critically needed services in accessible locations throughout the community will dismantle some of the most common barriers experienced by this population. Through this partnership, primary care, mental health care, food assistance, and hygiene services will be available together in one location allowing for comprehensive and accessible care. This project would not be possible without the assistance of the City of Topeka, St. John AME Church, Fellowship Hi-Crest, and other local churches. Funding for the mobile facility was provided by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

“MAP is a collaborative approach, creating a mobile continuum of social, health, and behavioral health services to Topeka’s unsheltered homeless population, as well as reaching persons whose living/housing situation is precarious. MAP will enhance and expand the work that Valeo, the Topeka Rescue Mission, and others are doing to give at-risk adults and families a hand-up, as they seek self-sufficiency,” said Bill Persinger, CEO, Valeo Behavioral Health Care.

“No one organization standing alone can adequately address the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness. In recognition of this, the Topeka Rescue Mission has greatly appreciated the spirit of collaboration that exists within our community. The MAP initiative between Topeka Rescue Mission, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Stormont Vail Health and The Topeka Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit will further advance our communities commitment to care for our homeless neighbors in need. This unique and innovative approach has the potential to not only meet basic critical needs, but also be a game changer in our attempts to bring hope and a lasting change to those who suffer in our community,” said Barry Feaker, Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission.

The mobile facility will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm. It will be parked at various churches in Topeka and rotated weekly.

The mobile facility will be managed by staff from Valeo Behavioral Health Care and the Topeka Rescue Mission as well as community volunteers.

A grand opening Ribbon Cutting and Prayer Dedication Ceremony with the Greater Topeka Partnership will take place on May 4th at 11 am at St. John AME Church located at 701 SW Topeka Blvd.

To volunteer for MAP, please contact Kimberlee Turley, Director of Volunteers, at the Topeka Rescue Mission at kturley@trmonline.org. To make a donation, please visit valeotopeka.org or contact Aimee Copp-Hasty at acopphasty@valeotopeka.org.