Situated on Loudon Avenue near the YMCA, which provided the land, a collection of fenced-in white tents greets those who will be coming here for shelter from the cold with an overhead sign at the entrance that reads “Hope Village.”
But the project goes far beyond a simple set of tents. Charlie Lanter, who heads up Homelessness Prevention & Intervention for the city, says the facilities can house up to 160 adults.
"These are the kind of structures you put up after a natural disaster typically. This company that did this, they usually respond to hurricanes," he explained. "They're very nice. They're heated. They're tied into electricity."
The sleeping facilities – with separate buildings for men and women – are lined with dozens of cots, and are surprisingly toasty with plenty of warm air being pumped in.
The goal isn’t just housing, however.
In years past, the city has shuttled people to hotel rooms during cold snaps, a process they say was inefficient. The hope is that Hope Village will provide a chance for more community and more connections, with the temporary residents having access to programs that may get them back on their feet and no longer in need of services this time next year.
Council member Tayna Fogle has been a strong advocate for projects like these because, for her, it’s personal.
"There was a time that I was homeless with my child and I needed help also," she told the media at the official "opening" of the facilities. "So this structure that is built now, for those folks who are out there right now to come into, just fills my heart with joy."
For those like Fogle, it’s a mission. For those living nearby, the facility has raised some questions from residents who feel left out of the process. To those with concerns, Jeff Herron, a homeless prevention manager with the city, says the facilities will be monitored.
"Funding for the shelter did include funding to operate 24/7 private security," Herron said. "We also have met with several of the property owners in the area. We've had representatives from the police onsite. We've provided reference documents to help people know points of contact that they can reach out to for common issues that could occur."
Just how successful the new strategy is could guide future efforts as the city and homeless support organizations look for ways to keep everyone warm as the mercury falls.
The shelter will be dismantled starting March 31, 2024.
