Gwen Rummell Reporting –
The Friends of the Homeless have received property after searching for more than two years to find a location for a new shelter.
The Friends of the Homeless organization in Tuscarawas County has acquired ownership of the homeless shelter building, which was previously leased from the New Philadelphia First Presbyterian Church.
Along with giving the Friends of the Homeless ownership of the building, the church also gifted the parking area behind the shelter.
Reverend Joe Svancara says updating the shelter and adding a new addition will allow the shelter to stay in the same spot.
“This project will, in fact, be very vital to the community. It will allow all the social service agencies to continue to work as one in order to provide access to needs for people who are struggling, who are our neighbors, our friends, [and] people who we see on a daily basis.”
Svancara adds that construction plans are still tentative.
The organization is currently working with New Philadelphia Law Director Marvin Fete to make sure their plans comply with city zoning regulations.
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