WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – About one year ago, the Wichita Family Crisis Center expanded, going from eight bedrooms and two bathrooms to 24 bedrooms with bathrooms. Despite having triple the capacity, they are still always full, and more clients need help than they can serve.
“It’s really surprising,” Amanda Meyers, Wichita Family Crisis Center CEO, said. “I guess it isn’t surprising. We sort of knew that these numbers were that high, but that the demand was so quick and so fast.”
Meyers says 2023 was a rough year, and it’s hard to pinpoint why they are seeing an increasing need.
“I can only answer kind of anecdotally,” Meyers said. “I think it’s hard when the economy is hard. You know, if people are in financial, stressful situations, then obviously that exacerbates an already, you know, kind of abusive home life. So, I think that that’s a contributor. And also, you know, if there’s substance abuse or mental health issues in the relationship, that makes things worse. And I know that’s a community-wide problem right now.”