People City Mission seeks approval for new women and children shelter in Lincoln

On June 11, 2025, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission convened to discuss significant developments concerning the People City Mission, a vital homeless shelter in Lincoln, Nebraska. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for expansion and modernization of the facility to better serve the community's growing homeless population.

The primary focus of the discussions was a proposed new building that aims to enhance the mission's capacity and services. Pastor Tom Barber, who has led the mission for over two decades, emphasized the dire situation faced by the shelter, which currently operates in a 45-year-old building designed for 250 individuals but has recently accommodated over 430. This overcrowding has led to inadequate living conditions, including women and children sleeping on mats on the floor. Barber stressed the necessity of constructing a new facility to address these challenges and ensure the mission can continue to provide essential services.

The proposed expansion includes a two-story structure with a capacity for women and children, as well as additional beds for men. The design incorporates safety features, such as fenced-in areas and a multipurpose gymnasium/chapel, while also ensuring accessibility for both vehicles and pedestrians. The mission's site plan includes a loading dock to facilitate deliveries, which are crucial for its operations, as the mission provides significant food assistance to those in need.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding pedestrian safety, particularly the proposed mid-block crossing on Q Street. The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) department expressed reservations about such crossings, advocating for safer alternatives. The planning commission is considering these concerns while also recognizing the importance of direct access between the new and existing buildings for the mission's users.

In addition to the structural plans, Barber highlighted the mission's role in the broader context of homelessness in Lincoln. He pointed out that the city has significantly fewer shelter beds per capita compared to other cities, indicating a pressing need for increased resources to support the homeless population. The mission currently serves approximately 80% of the city's homeless, providing not only shelter but also meals and transitional housing programs.

The discussions at the planning commission meeting underscored the critical intersection of community needs and urban planning. As the People City Mission seeks to expand its facilities, the planning commission's decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of homelessness services in Lincoln. The next steps will involve further collaboration with LTU to address safety concerns while moving forward with the mission's expansion plans.