The temporary emergency shelter for the homeless which was established on Kingston Highway in April is set to close on Friday. It has offered safe haven to the homeless amid the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent statewide shelter in place (which expired at the end of last month).
Devon Smyth, the Director of the William S. Davies Homeless Shelters, says that tonight will be the last night of operation at the shelter, which was made possible through a collaborative effort among the Davies Homeless Shelters, the Salvation Army, Hospitality House for Women, Inc, United Way of Rome and Floyd County, and the City of Rome, as well as Dr. John Cowan’s Chapel Hill Sports Academy.
Bed space at local shelters will be offered to those who do not have anywhere to go when the emergency shelter closes, adds Smyth.
Shelter-in-place measures at the Davies Shelters were lifted this past Monday, indicates Smyth. So far, no one has fallen ill with coronavirus at The Shelter (for men) or at the Ruth and Naomi House (for women and children).
Smyth adds that her organization will continue to work with the homeless in this community to help them find permanent housing. She also welcomes all donations from the public – not just financial. Items such as toilet paper and paper towels would be greatly appreciated by the Davies Shelters.
To make a monetary donation and get more information, visit the website at www.daviesshelter.com.