It may be a rainy day today, but we have some really exciting news to share about what happened on a sunny day last week.
On Monday, September 14, our friends at Thrivent Member Network stopped by the front porch at 944 Kentucky with a big check: $5,000 for the work we get to do every single day at HRC!
We’ll be honest, moments like this never get old. Standing out front with people who care about our neighbors as much as we do reminds us why we love this work.
Behind that big check are real people. The guest who came in this morning soaked from the rain. The neighbor who finally got the phone call back about housing. The regular at LINK who always saves a seat for someone new. This gift is for them, and for everyone who hasn’t walked through our doors yet but will.
This has been a big year for us. With HRC and LINK working together, we’re providing services seven days a week, and we’ve already served over 800 unique guests in 2026. That kind of growth only happens when a whole community shows up, and Thrivent showed up in a big way.
And that’s what gets us most excited. When businesses step in alongside what the community is already doing, something shifts. Homelessness stops being “someone else’s problem” and becomes something we carry together. Businesses bring resources, but they also bring their people, their networks, and their voice. They tell their employees, clients, and neighbors that this work matters, and that message spreads.
When a business partners with HRC, it helps build a Lawrence where the people who work downtown, the families who shop on Mass, the churches, the schools, the nonprofits, and our guests are all part of the same story. A healthier, more connected community is good for everyone. Nobody gets there alone.
A special thank you to Ann Hossler, KU Professor and Thrivent Board Member, who made this connection happen and has been such a champion for our guests. As Ann put it, “The work of everyone serving our community at HRC is heartwarming and meets a critical need. With LINK and HRC working together, the impact of support and love will be even greater.” We couldn’t agree more, Ann!
Thank you also to Chris Robertson and Brandon Shreve for joining us and believing in what we’re building here in Lawrence, and to the whole Thrivent family for your generosity.
As our executive director, Brett, said it: “When a business like Thrivent shows up on our front porch, it tells every guest who walks through our doors that Lawrence sees them and is in their corner. That’s the kind of city we want to be, and Thrivent is helping us get there. We’re so thankful to be part of a community that keeps showing up for each other.”
If you own or work for a local business and have ever wondered how to get involved, we’d love to talk. Sponsor a meal, host a supply drive, bring your team to volunteer, or partner with us like Thrivent did. Email director@hrclawrence.org.
Thank you, Thrivent. We’re so grateful for you.