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Manager: overnight shelter open far more nights this season; city pursuing state funding for liaison
Summary
The city manager reported the overnight shelter was open 24 nights so far this winter (up from 10 nights last year), volunteers are keeping the 12‑bed shelter running, and staff are pursuing state funding to support a housing/homelessness liaison to reduce budget pressure.
City Manager Nicholas told council the overnight shelter has operated 24 nights this season, more than double the total number of nights it was open last year, with volunteers and staff working to keep people safe.
"Last year, the shelter was open a total of 10 nights in the season. So far this year, they've been open 24 nights, and we're not even really halfway through the winter here," Nicholas said, noting the shelter has 12 beds and has been full most nights. He and the mayor discussed pursuing state funding for a housing‑and‑homelessness liaison post; the manager said securing that state funding would materially lower the city's tax‑rate impact and help sustain shelter services. The council expressed support for continued volunteer and partner efforts and directed staff to continue conversations with the delegation and state partners about funding options.
