Over a month has passed since the City of Charlottesville and Central Arizona Shelter Services opened the doors at 2000 Holiday Drive as a low-barrier shelter. Council agreed last fall to spend $6.2 million on the former office building and agreed in August to spend $3.2 million to pay CASS to operate the site on a one-year emergency basis.
Assistant City Manager Sam Roman provided a brief update on October 5.
“The opening of the shelter has created a place we’ve referenced and described as the first rung on the ladder toward permanent housing,” Roman said. “The average census for overnight stay is approximately 70 guests, and the shelter staff has experienced as many as 73 overnight guests.”
A total of 112 individuals have stayed at the shelter and operations are now connected to the Homeless Management Information System which provides a way to track people in the federally-recognized Continuum of Care. That helps staff locate available support.
“So far, 14 guests have exited the shelter to a housing destination, and 4 clients have secured gainful employment,” Roman said.
One of the many critiques aimed at the city before the shelter was opened was an allegation that pets would not be allowed. Roman said they are and there are currently two in residence and have not presented a problem.
Roman said the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is collecting donations on behalf of the shelter. There’s no specific information on their donation page, but you can likely find your way to the right place if so inclined.
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