City council approves opioid-settlement funds and MOU to open emergency shelter at 96 Third Avenue West

Huntington City Council on April 28 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to spend opioid-settlement funds and enter into a memorandum of understanding with Valley Health Systems Inc. to construct, equip and operate an emergency overnight shelter at 96 Third Avenue West.

The measure, brought by Mayor Farrell, authorizes three actions: expend opioid-settlement distribution funds to renovate the building, enter an MOU with Valley Health Systems Inc. as the lead community partner, and redirect previously approved operational funding to run the emergency shelter until the new facility opens. Councilmember Archer moved the resolution and Councilmember Holly Mount seconded the motion to adopt the measure as amended; council voted to approve it by voice vote.

Council members said the city intends to use the new facility for integrated homelessness care and addiction treatment services in addition to overnight emergency shelter. Mayor Farrell said the city will keep current operations at the Huntington City Mission’s chapel open until the new shelter is ready and then transfer operating funds to Valley Health. "It'll stay with the city mission in the chapel until this new facility is open, at which time we'll then transfer it to Valley Health in order to operate that shelter," Mayor Farrell said.

Council amended the resolution caption to correct the partner name to Valley Health Systems Inc.; the body of the resolution already used that name. The mayor and staff said a separate, more detailed MOU describing Valley Health Systems’ operational responsibilities will be brought to council for review and approval after execution.

Council members and the mayor emphasized speed: several said the effort is being fast-tracked to try to open the facility before winter. Mayor Farrell said the administration is coordinating contractors and community partners to expedite construction and operations.

The resolution authorizes redirecting $350,000 in fiscal year 2026 operational funding to support overnight emergency services until the new facility opens. The mayor estimated roughly $3,000,000 is currently in the city’s opioid-settlement account and said the city expects approximately $6,000,000 over the full distribution period; he characterized those figures as rough estimates. Council members said the action could leverage additional philanthropic or foundation grants once a completed project is in hand.

Public commenters debated the proposed location and services. Angela Harshberger, a resident who identified herself with downtown Kiwanis, urged the council to consider that a long-standing daycare at 711 Washington Avenue serves up to 98 children and lies about one block from the proposed site; she asked the council to weigh potential effects on parents’ ability to safely drop off and pick up children. Connie Beatty, another resident, voiced support for the shelter and thanked the mayor and partners working on the project. Council members responded that the city mission’s chapel will remain open until the new shelter is ready and pledged an orderly transition so no one will be left without a night’s shelter.

Councilmembers said the resolution does not redirect federal HRSA grant or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; the mayor confirmed those sources are excluded from the transfer language in the resolution.

The council also discussed longer-term objectives: the mayor said this facility will be one element of broader homelessness work, including a separate Veteran Homeless Pilot Project. Council members said additional documentation and contractual details will be presented to council at a later date.

The resolution passed on voice vote after the caption was amended to name Valley Health Systems Inc. and after council discussion and public comment.