The City of Staunton will open a day shelter for unhouse persons in the fall at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Frederick Street.
“They are extremely excited about getting this started,” said Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry Executive Director Alec Gunn at Staunton City Council‘s regular meeting Thursday night.
Gunn provided a proposal for the day shelter with an annual budget of $48,500, including $30,000 for part-time staff, $5,000 for rent and utilities to be paid to First Presbyterian, $4,000 for office, hygiene and cleaning supplies, and $2,000 for transportation for individuals to medical appointments and housing opportunity appointments.
The budget also includes $2,000 for necessary licenses and certifications, $1,300 for classes/workshops that may provide long-term stability for individuals facing homelessness and a $2,000 emergency fund for the unexpected.
“The day center is going to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals facing homelessness,” Gunn said.
Open all year from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the day shelter will at first be open only two or three days a week.
However, Gunn said the plan is to expand to more days at a later date, which Councilmember Alice Woods asked if more days was the long-term goal.
“I press to people, this is to help people move out of homelessness,” Gunn said.
Community partners include EMBRACE of Waynesboro, Augusta Health Mobile Clinic, Habitat for Humanity (mobile showers) and social workers from Mary Baldwin University to assistance with mental health care.
ICYMI: Staunton day shelter news
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- Staunton mayor: City needs to create day shelter
Councilmember Corrie Park asked Gunn to send his written proposal to council.
“This is very exciting,” she said.
Gunn said that the day shelter will not be a homeless shelter, but a place to offer support and resources for individuals “to work themselves out” of homelessness.
Mayor Michele Edwards asked about outreach ministry and Gunn said that day shelter staff will look for resources.
“It’s a great proposal. It meets an important need in the community,” said Councilmember Jeff Overholtzer.
He asked if other funding sources will be available for the day shelter.
“It’s going to be seeking donations, doing fundraisers,” Gunn said.
As a nonprofit organization, the day shelter will also seek more community partnerships.
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Rebecca Barnabi
