Montgomery County has cleared another hurdle for the new Norristown homeless shelter after the Norristown Zoning Hearing Board approved its request for a zoning variance, writes Emily Neil for WHYY.
“We were all there until about 12:30 last evening, testifying in front of Norristown Zoning Board meeting to advocate for this important initiative that will help our friends, our most vulnerable friends and neighbors who struggle with having a safe, reliable and consistent place to live, including those sleeping in cars, couch surfing or in unstable living conditions,” said Commissioner Jamila Winder at Thursday’s Board of Commissioners meeting.
The 50-bed transitional housing program opening at 1430 DeKalb Street will expand the county’s Department of Health and Human Services campus. This will provide year-round, 24/7 wraparound services to pre-screened single adults, with no walk-ins or drop-offs allowed.
Montgomery County’s housing crisis response system, Your Way Home, will offer individuals staying at the site financial literacy services, job training, addiction treatment, and mental health support to help them secure long-term, permanent housing.
Over 100 people in Norristown sleep outside on any given night, according to the county.
Read more about the plans for the new Norristown homeless shelter in WHYY.
