The Danville City Council Public Services Committee has forwarded plans to the full City Council to use available grant money for the Danville Rescue Mission adult men’s homeless shelter at 213 North Bowman. This would include Community Development Block Grant funding available from the past few years being reallocated for a total of over $226,000 in improvements.
Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk reminds us that this structure, once a large residential home, was purchased by Danville Rescue Mission last year to move their men’s shelter services from the previous location in the old Fairchild School. Cronk says they’ve been operating this winter; taking in up to 12 to 15, on the coldest nights, and averaging about five to seven per night; with the second floor having been available as well if needed. Cronk says the idea now is; make it better, to serve more who need a helping hand. They currently could occupy 20 to 25, using just the first floor.
Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk (center) speaks during Tuesday evening Danville City Council Public Works Committee meeting.
AUDIO: The home is old. It definitely shows its age. It’s a little tired. It needs a complete update; so, code will be addressed. The bathrooms do not have any functioning showers at this time. There’s only really tubs. So, we’re renovating the bathrooms; fixing up the walls, floors; it needs a new roof, plumbing. electrical. So, if it’s in the home, it needs repaired. And really, the end goal of this whole project is to deliver them a product that will last decades.
Because of the funding that’s being reallocated, the building will officially be labeled as a “public facility.” The next full City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd.
Meanwhile, Alderman Ed Butler reminded CIMG that there’s a candidates forum at the DACC Bremer Center this Thursday evening. Democrats Adal Regis and Eric France are looking to replace Robin Kelly in Congress, as Kelly is running for U.S. Senate.
AUDIO: Candidate forum for Congress in the Second District. It’s going to be Adal Regis and Eric France. And it’s going to be at the Bremer building out at Danville Area Community College.
The Thursday evening forum will be 6 to 9 PM.
