City Gospel Mission is preparing to open its new campus in Queensgate. The new shelter can accommodate twice as many people as the old one in Over-the-Rhine. City Gospel president Roger Howell says the old shelter can house 36 people per night. The new one, which opens this week, can house 74. It can also seat 144 people at mealtime, compared to 100.
Howell says neighbors are welcome to come for lunch as well. He says that's part of making the new location a success. He says City Gospel has been reaching out to neighboring businesses to let them know what's going on and help them feel comfortable about having a homeless shelter next door.
The total cost is $16 million, including $14.3 million for construction.
Despite concerns about the shelter's location outside of Downtown, Howell calls homelessness a regional problem that affects all corners of the community. He says the new facility is in an easily accessible location near I-75.
A second building at the Dalton Avenue site is scheduled to open in July. It will house a gym facility, a job training and preparedness center, and alcohol and drug treatment programs for men.
