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Council discusses Johnson Street shelter phase-down and housing sprint; councilors press for clear timelines and funding
Summary
Councilors and the public aired concerns about plans to phase down Johnson Street shelter capacity and to run a housing sprint; staff will provide an informational update to the Housing, Redevelopment and Community Programs committee on Wednesday, and the mayor said the city’s contract with the Poverello Center remains funded through Aug. 31.
Several councilors and public commenters pressed city staff and service providers for clearer timelines and funding details related to the Johnson Street shelter’s phased closure and a planned “housing sprint” to rehouse clients.
Councilor Jordan described a recent meeting at the Johnson Street shelter where residents raised practical questions: how many beds would remain available each month, how the city would select residents for housing offers, how long rental assistance would continue, what supports would be available for people with criminal convictions, and whether staff layoffs would follow the shelter closure. Jordan said many residents were ‘‘in disbelief’’ when staff answered that some details were still being developed.
Councilor Carlino expressed disapproval of plans that would reduce the shelter by 30 beds per month, saying the council should not rely on nonprofit funding alone for core shelter services and proposing a resolution to limit bed reductions only to the number of clients who actually move into permanent housing. Councilor Nugent said he expected future resolutions to identify funding sources if council asks the mayor to continue shelter funding; Nugent asked that any resolution include a direction on where money should come from.
Mayor Andrea Davis and staff clarified process and timelines: the mayor said the city is working with service partners on a phased unwind and housing-sprint plan and that the city’s contract with the Poverello Center (the nonprofit that operates the Johnson Street shelter) remains funded through the current contract year, which ends Aug. 31. The mayor’s office scheduled an informational update to the Housing, Redevelopment and Community Programs committee for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to present the phased-unwind and housing-sprint details and to respond to resident questions.
Councilors Jones and Jordan urged community support for both funding and volunteer capacity for rehousing efforts. Councilor Jordan emphasized the human impacts and argued the city’s core mission includes providing essential social services.
No formal action or vote took place on shelter policy at the meeting; councilors signaled they will continue the debate and may bring resolutions or direction on funding to future meetings.
