CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Clarksville neighbors are weighing a proposal that would create Montgomery County’s first year-round homeless shelter, drawing strong opinions from both supporters and residents concerned about the shelter’s location.
Clarksville Area Urban Ministries hosted a public meeting Friday night at Madison Street Methodist Church to discuss the plan, which would involve a partnership between the city and the nonprofit organization.
Under the proposal, the city would use federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant money to purchase a building for approximately $700,000. That building would then be converted into a year-round homeless shelter — the first of its kind in the county. Clarksville Area Urban Ministries would operate the facility and provide case management and other support services to people experiencing homelessness.
While some attendees voiced support for expanding shelter services, others expressed strong opposition during the meeting, particularly about placing the shelter near residential neighborhoods…