Question 1

What is transitional housing?

Accepted Answer

Transitional housing provides temporary residences and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, acting as an intermediate step between emergency shelters and permanent housing. It offers a stable, time-limited living environment, typically for several months to two years, with services like case management, life skills counseling, and employment assistance to help residents gain the skills and resources needed to find and maintain permanent housing. [Source: HUD]

Question 2

How can I be referred?

Accepted Answer

We are working with limited referral partners in the first 6 months of operation (June 2025-January 2026). We will explore expanding referral opportunities in 2026. If you have questions about eligibility, please email hattie@cardinalhousingks.org.

Question 3

What are the house rules?

Accepted Answer

We encourage interested individuals to review the house rules to make sure the program is a good fit for your housing needs. This handbook contains information on restrictions, community expectations, and visitor policies.  You can find more information on our House Rules tab on the Home page.

Question 4

What are my financial obligations?

Accepted Answer

Residents pay $125/week in program fees after the first 30 days. This currently includes food, need-based transportation, rent, utilities, and basic supplies. There is no security deposit upon entering the program. Our case management partners assist residents with developing an ongoing budget to meet their financial goals.

Question 5

Am I required to work?

Accepted Answer

Each resident has different circumstances that will be considered when developing their case management plan. Our goals are to help each resident build self sufficiently and stability, both personally and financially.

Residents entering the program will not be able to work the first 30 days of enrollment. This is designed to allow residents the opportunity to work their recovery plan and build their resources network. Residents will begin working towards employment during this period with anticipated employment happening between 30-60 days in the program.

Question 6

What type of housing do you provide?

Accepted Answer

As of June 2025, we currently have 1 group home for 10 single women in operation. This house is located in downtown Lawrence and is available by referral only.  There are 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, a separate kitchenette and laundry facility in the basement. Children are not allowed to reside at this location.

Beginning January 2026, we will open three additional apartments for single female headed households. Residents here will receive case management support from Family Promise of Lawrence. Referrals are not open at this time.

Question 7

How long can I live in a Cardinal Housing Network property?

Accepted Answer

Residents can stay up to two years at any Cardinal Housing Network property. Extensions can be requested and approved by the Board of Directors.

Question 8

Will I have a roommate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are double occupancy in our group home. Residents qualifying for family reunification placement will have their own apartment.

Question 9

I’m nervous about the safety of my belongings. Is there a place to store them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each resident will have closet/clothing space in their bedroom. Residents will have access to their own  large lockable storage closet located in the basement. Every resident gets their own closet and lock.

Question 10

Do you regularly UA/breathalyze?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Residents will need to submit to UA/breathalyzers upon request or at random drawing. This is to support a culture of accountability.

Question 11

Is the house staffed 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Our Support Coordinator is on-site M-F 8am-5pm and does not reside at the house. Our live-in house manager serves as a peer-to-peer resource in the evenings and on weekends.

Question 12

I have things I’d like to donate. How do I do that?

Accepted Answer

We are working with limited storage space and personnel capacity at this point in time. Stay tuned for periodic need drives and information about donating. Thank you for thinking of us! <3

We ask that you consider donations to local non-profits that will be able to get your donation into the hands of those who need it most. This relieves barriers for the individuals in need of the donation.

Our recommendations on referrals for Clothing are the Social Service League, Ballard Center, and the Children's Community Center. Our recommendations for hygiene product donations are the Willow, Family Promise of Lawrence, and the Lawrence Community Shelter. Our recommendations for general household goods are Family Promise of Lawrence and the Social Service League.

house rules

Frequently asked questions

What is transitional housing?

How can I be referred?

What are the house rules?

What are my financial obligations?

Am I required to work?

What type of housing do you provide?

How long can I live in a Cardinal Housing Network property?

Will I have a roommate?

I’m nervous about the safety of my belongings. Is there a place to store them?

Do you regularly UA/breathalyze?

Is the house staffed 24/7?

I have things I’d like to donate. How do I do that?

Still have questions?

Hannah bolTON

General or donation inquiries:

Referral inquiries:

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