Hunter
06/08/24
Shelter House is undergoing its first major renovation since opening twelve years ago.
Christine Hayes, Director of Development and Communications at the facility, told CBS2 that safety concerns regarding the stairway were immediate, so they went through the design process and had an architect work through closing off the staircase to remove that potential hazard.
The renovation also includes the vestibule, which Hayes says has been a problem for people with mobility issues to navigate because of its small size. Plans are to open it up to make it more accessible.
Shelter House plans to convert under-utilized second floor space into family rooms, with space for a staff member to oversee the floor. Staff is working with Johnson County to open up the Winter Shelter for single adults, to give them more space while the renovations take place.
The plan is for the renovation project to start this summer, with the dorm renovations done by October so they can be ready to open up the Winter Shelter again this December.