The Grenada City Council held its monthly meeting on Feb. 14, at City Hall. The Council handled several items on the agenda including meeting with board members of the Grenada Area Sanctuary of Hope regarding the possibility of leasing the old fire station on Main Street to use as the site for a men’s homeless shelter.
Glen DeHart represented the group and made the request to the Council for use of the building. He said that the group would raise money through donations to cover the costs for repairs that the building needs. The Sanctuary of Hope has obtained its 501 (c) (3) non-profit status and has opened a bank account for the homeless men’s shelter.
Councilman Lewis Johnson told DeHart and the group to meet with Ward 5 Councilman Eric Harris, who represents the Ward where the building is located, and also meet with the residents in the area that might be affected by the building being occupied.
City Manager Stan Amos later told the group to continue searching for a possible building for the shelter. Recently, he was approached about the building being used for training for fire department personnel. However, he was quick to point out he wasn’t against the group using the building for the shelter.
“There’s nothing set in stone,” Amos said. “I told them to continue looking. They aren’t being turned down. I was just approached recently by the fire department about using the building. It would help with training and also help with insurance ratings in the area.”
Amos added that he was thankful for the group and what it is trying to accomplish.
“I’m thankful for this group of people and what they are trying to do with service in their hearts,” he said. “They want to address an increasing need in our community and I’m all for that.”
Grenada Sanctuary of Hope Board President Carolyn Smith said the Board was thankful for being heard by the Council.
“We are very appreciative of the City Council to hear us,” she said. “They gave us a direction to go and we are looking forward to meeting with Councilman Harris and the City Manager moving forward concerning this. We feel like this is the best location for us, but we will actively continue to look for another place.”
Board member Allison Moore echoed Smith’s sentiments.
“A big plus was having us in the same room, hearing the same thing in terms of next steps and potential challenges, and obstacles,” Moore said. “It provides a momentum, focus and accountability for all of us.”
