Council committee hears Fortitude Community Outreach on proposed shelter; aldermen press for daytime services first

Representatives of Fortitude Community Outreach presented plans and answered questions at the Community Development Committee meeting leading up to the July 21 council session about a proposed emergency overnight shelter at 970 East Court Street.

Dawn Browers, identified in committee as executive director of Fortitude, described volunteer activities, partnerships with the police department and a homelessness task force, and remodeling work at the Court Street property. Committee members asked how the community had reacted and whether Fortitude planned to open a daytime shelter first as a phased approach.

Browers told the committee the organization had not planned a daytime shelter at that location; some aldermen said earlier discussions had suggested a phased approach beginning with daytime services. Alderman Prude and Alderman Malone Marshall reiterated their preference for establishing daytime shelter services before allowing overnight sheltering at the site. Alderman O'Brien asked about police access; Browers said communications with police had been constructive. Mayor Curtis said the city has multiple shelters, transitional housing and recovery homes but that surrounding municipalities also need to participate in solutions.

The committee did not take a formal vote that night; the presentation was described as an opportunity to raise questions in advance of colder months and to refine community expectations and oversight. Committee members emphasized coordination with police, clarity about services (day vs. overnight), and outreach to neighboring municipalities to seek shared solutions.