The Strathmore Overnight Shelter was looking for a letter of support from the town at a recent council meeting.
The support letter asked Strathmore Town Council to approve operating hours at the overnight shelter to 24 hours a day while expanding the number of client beds. The letter was presented by Elizabeth Karp, executive director of the shelter.
Councillor Brent Wiley opposed the motion, as he was concerned that the changes may increase the homeless population in Strathmore from non-residents.
"We live downstream from a city of 1.4 million people. That city has its fair share of problems, including homelessness. It doesn't matter how big we build our shelter, or how many beds we offer. It will fill up," said Wiley during the Wednesday (Sept. 18) meeting. "I talk to the homeless people of Strathmore; I've gotten to know some of them. I've almost met none who are from Strathmore."
Karp, who attended the meeting via phone call, addressed Wiley's concerns, saying that the overnight shelter turns many away who are coming from outside of town.
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"We screen the people that come into the shelter," said Karp. "We're not in the business of bringing a homeless population into Strathmore, and so when people call us from other cities, we turn them down if it's not their home or place of business."
Councillor Denise Peterson added to Karp's sentiment, saying that as winter approaches, the needs of the homeless are stronger than ever.
"Strathmore Overnight Shelter is rarely full. The thing about homeless people, their borders are pretty fluid," said Peterson.
Councillor Jason Montgomery suggested an amendment that would allow the shelter to operate 24 hours a day but without expanding the number of beds. The amendment was rejected by council, with only Montgomery and Wiley voting in approval.
Councillor Melissa Langmaid also gave her thoughts on the support letter, saying that anyone in Strathmore should be considered a resident, regardless of their employment or residence.
"I wasn't born in Strathmore, but I'm here now," added Langmaid. "People come here from all sorts of places, and they're here now, which means they're my people."
The support letter was approved by council, with Wiley being the only one to vote against it. Councillor Debbie Mitzner was not present at the meeting.