The group behind a proposed homeless shelter has withdrawn its request for the Knox BZA’s permission to use the Knights of Columbus building, at least for now. City officials say a public hearing that had been scheduled for next Monday has been canceled.
Davis Wesleyan Church Pastor Matt Ohime, who’s spearheading the effort, says the group has concluded that it needs to be a good neighbor and gain stronger community awareness and support, for the mission to be successful. The BZA held off on a decision last month, after neighbors expressed concern that it would bring crime, drugs, traffic, and a decline in property values.
But Ohime stresses that the group’s “resolve to help our community with the issue of housing insecurity is unchanged.” Plans are in the works to set up a daytime warming center at the Trinity Assembly Of God Church in Knox. Ohime says it would give people the chance to get out of the cold, get connected to resources, and get a warm meal.
A planning session is scheduled for Monday, September 28 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Trinity Assembly of God Church.
