The old city hall building was originally constructed in , but after a remodel, it will be giving the homeless population a new chance for a better life. The Aid for Friends shelter in Pocatello has been dealing with a big overpopulation problem for years, and that was on the mind of shelter director B. Stensland when she was walking from the shelter to the main office.
The former city hall building was for sale, and after a full search of other properties in the city, it ended up being the perfect fit. It's going to mean a lot.
After they get their food, they will be able to do something they never could in the old shelter. Eat at a table in a dining room. Funding for the project was a community effort by business and private groups that raised over a million dollars. When the shelter opens it will be able to double the amount of people that Aid for Friends can help, with space for about 90 people.
They will also have things like a full laundry facility and space for computers and job training. All of this designed to help them get back on their feet. According to Brady Ellis, the Vice President of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, "There's a lot of people that are going to be able to feel more secure, more safe and have a more dignified environment through this shelter. The new shelter is giving an important building from the past a new life so the homeless have not just a place to live but a way to increase their quality of life well into the future.
Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. New Aid For Friends building. By Linda Larsen. October 2, PM.
