A year after a local nonprofit group shelved its plan to put a homeless shelter in the former Knights of Columbus building in Knox, its alternate plan for the space is now in limbo, as well. The Starke County Resource Center has taken possession of the building at 503 East Lake Street.
Davis Wesleyan Church Pastor Matt Ohime is spearheading the effort. “There is no plan nor intention in the future to ever use it for a homeless shelter, as it is put together,” he stresses. “So if we are going to be able to address the issue of housing insecurity, which is a significant issue in our county, it will be at a different location.”
That’s left the group with a building and a bunch of donated items. Ohime says they’ve set up a “glorified garage sale” and are now looking to turn the space into a thrift store. Not only could that provide items to those in need and a fundraising opportunity for the Resource Center, but also employment to those taking part in its eventual programs. “And they can begin earning a savings account toward getting back on their feet,” he adds.
But the fact that the property is in a residential zone continues to be a sticking point. The Knox Board of Zoning Appeals tabled the Starke County Resource Center’s special use request Monday. Director of Building, Planning, and Code Compliance Kenny Pfost says the way the zoning rules are written, city officials need more clarification in order to make a good decision. He says the city got two letters objecting to the proposal, but no in-person comments were offered during Monday’s meeting.
While they await more information on how to move forward, Ohime says the issue of housing insecurity remains. “We have several families living in hotels,” he says. “A lot of the people we’ve assisted have been temporarily displaced. We’ve been helping people living in hotels with other items. And then, through the McKinney-Vento, several kids that are still termed ‘homeless’ throughout the three schools in our county. As we’ve worked with them, we’ve proven the fact that it exists.”
For now, the Starke County Resource Center continues working to organize a program to offer resources, educational opportunities, and evening meals a couple days a week at the Trinity Assembly of God Church in Knox. But to set up a full shelter to tackle housing insecurity head-on, Ohime says the group will not only have to find a place but will also need the favor of the local leaders who have jurisdiction over it.
