New Huntington Shelter Set to Provide Essential Health and Social Services—Opening Just in Time for Winter!

Huntington City Council recently discussed a plan to use funds from the state’s opioid settlement to build a new shelter. This shift will help provide a more stable environment for those in need, as the current city mission’s funds will be redirected towards this project once the shelter opens.

The planned shelter aims not just to provide housing but also essential health and social services, including onsite treatment and support. Mayor Patrick Farrell emphasized the community’s collaborative efforts to create a space that genuinely helps individuals find a path forward.

“This is about more than just giving people a roof over their heads,” Farrell stated. The goal is to expand services, such as mental health and substance use counseling, in stages. Initially, the focus will be on providing immediate refuge for those without homes.

Interestingly, this initiative comes on the heels of a previously planned low-barrier shelter, which had to be paused. City officials and community leaders, including Councilmember Tia “Fix” Rumbaugh, remain hopeful that solutions will emerge.

The new shelter will be located on 3rd Avenue, a bit farther from downtown. This raises concerns about transportation for those seeking help. Rumbaugh noted, “I haven’t received updates on additional services, but I’m optimistic they’re on the way. We need to ensure transportation options are addressed to support everyone in the community.”

Statistically, homelessness has risen across the nation, making such initiatives even more crucial. According to recent HUD reports, about 580,000 people in the U.S. experience homelessness on a given night. In this context, Huntington’s efforts represent a proactive approach to a growing issue.

There’s a growing trend on social media showcasing community-driven solutions to homelessness. Many users express their support for local initiatives like this. They highlight the importance of not just shelter but also resources that address the root causes of homelessness.

As Huntington prepares for winter, the council is eager to get this shelter up and running soon. The hope is that it will offer not just shelter but a genuine chance for individuals to rebuild their lives.



Source link

Shelter,Health services,Social services,Opioid settlement,Construction,Mental health,Substance use,Transportation