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Athens group outlines pilot to place four Conestoga micro‑shelters at 510 West Union
Summary
The Gathering Place told the Athens Planning Commission Sept. 18 it plans a one‑year pilot to site four Conestoga micro‑shelters on county property at 510 West Union St., staffed and supported by local agencies; commissioners said the city cannot impose zoning limits on county land and urged public input to county commissioners.
The Athens Planning Commission on Sept. 18 heard an informational presentation about a county‑led pilot to place four Conestoga micro‑shelters at 510 West Union St.
Ginger Schmullenberg, executive director of Athens Mental Health Inc., which runs The Gathering Place, said the huts are intended as a nonpermanent, supervised interim shelter for people experiencing homelessness while the community develops a full city shelter. "These are our community members. They belong to the community," Schmullenberg said, describing the huts as lockable, insulated 60‑square‑foot units that cost roughly $2,500 each and can be built quickly.
The project, Schmullenberg said, is supported by Sisters Health Foundation, the Athens Foundation, CoCreate Coalition and several local partners, and will pair nightly sheltering with wraparound services including case management, transportation to daytime programming and coordination with Hopewell Health Centers. She said…
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