A proposed budget amendment to the Capital Outlay Fund for $1,450,000 for a homeless shelter for adult men was approved unanimously when the Jackson City Council held its monthly meeting at Jackson City Hall, Tuesday.

The fund will be reimbursed through CDBG and HOME grants.

The property, a multi-family home located at 236 Airways Blvd., consists of 7,820 square feet and has 16 bathrooms.

“The money allocated to the homeless shelter is for acquistion of the building, planning/engineering … contracted renovations/repairs to the building and site,” said Paul Taylor, Jackson City Councilman.

The facility was built in 1920 and has a lot size of 0.34 acres.

“This is a one-time opportunity for grants this size in this particular program to address a big need in our community, without reducing the city’s budget,” said Mark Reid, Director of Jackson Housing Authority. “These funds must be used to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19 and addressing homelessness.”

Following the tragic death of an unsheltered member of our community, the City of Jackson collaborated with area agencies to establish an emergency warming shelter at the Carl Perkins Civic Center from December 28, 2020 – March 15, 2021 while the civic center was closed for events due to COVID-19. A key goal of this emergency program was that a permanent supportive shelter for men would be established in Jackson within a year.

“There is a great need to establish a homeless shelter in our city,” said Mayor Scott Conger, “I want to thank the council for approving this item in order to serve a community that is often looked over.”

After the second reading of the budget amendment, the City will begin its due diligence process to acquire and rehabilitate a building to serve as the shelter. The City will also be releasing an RFP soon to competitively select the operator of the shelter. The City will be sharing updates on the project with the community as it progresses.

(PHOTO: 236 Airways Boulevard)