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Project Now supporters urge council not to close winter shelter; speakers cite housing outcomes and economic contributions
Summary
Multiple speakers, volunteers and Project Now representatives told the council that the Project Now winter shelter provides critical services, has moved people into housing, and contributes to downtown economic activity; several urged the council to honor agreements with the nonprofit and not terminate services midseason.
Supporters and volunteers for Project Now urged the Rock Island City Council during public comment to continue emergency-winter shelter operations and to honor the organization's agreements with the city.
Ron Lund told the council that the shelter opened Jan. 17, 2025, and, as of the prior night, had provided emergency housing for 137 individuals over 52 nights. Lund said the shelter accepts men, women and families in the same facility and noted the age range among clients from 7 months to 73 years.
Project Now board member Emily Cummings said the shelter is "not just providing temporary shelter" but is working to place people into stable housing, and she urged the council not to "cut off a lifeline for those who need it most." Janice Scholl, a volunteer…
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