Planning board backs Fortitude overnight shelter at 970 East Court with conditions

The City of Kankakee Planning Board recommended approval on Aug. 17 of a conditional use permit allowing Fortitude Community Outreach to operate an overnight shelter at 970 East Court Street, voting unanimously to send the proposal to City Council with conditions. The board attached requirements from the Fire Department, the Kankakee County Health Department and the city’s Code Enforcement division and limited the permit to a one-year review.

The vote follows a lengthy public hearing in which shelter operators and dozens of residents, service providers and elected officials gave testimony. Don Brewer, Fortitude’s executive director, and Jack Tyson, chairman of Fortitude’s board, described the organization’s plans and timeline for adding overnight beds. Brewer said Fortitude had previously sheltered people and is finishing remodel work so it can provide year‑round overnight sheltering in the fall. Tyson told the board the organization had solicited community input and had met with city representatives while preparing the project.

The case drew…