Interfaith mulling permanent shelter

"It was a tremendous improvement," Pohlman said. "We were able to have dinner served in the dining room. Before people had to crouch on the floor. Instead, they had the dignity of actually sitting at a table with their family and sharing the meal."

The move saved the agency $37,500 in the annual cost to rent the armory, although the agency spent $60,000 on renovating the 4,300-square-foot garage into a shelter, Pohlman said.

Van Leeuwen said that Interfaith is eligible to apply for city funding for a year-round shelter, but it first must commit to operating it.

"It's a little bit of a Catch-22," Van Leeuwen said. "If they don't have the land use authority, they won't get the money. If they have the money and they don't get approval, there is a huge consequence."




