Jefferson City Council rejects rezoning request for homeless shelter relocation

The Jefferson City Council recently rejected a rezoning request that would have allowed the homeless shelter Jefferson City Room at the Inn to relocate to a new location. The decision came after hours of public comment and a vote of 6-3, with one council member abstaining. The proposal sought to move the shelter to 107 Adams St., a site only about a quarter mile from its current location.

In May, Room at the Inn announced its intention to relocate and expand, citing the need for more space and better services. Scott Johnston, president of the Board of Directors for Housing the Community Jefferson City, expressed confidence in the new location, stating that it “checks all the boxes” for the shelter’s needs. Initial discussions with the city and local neighbors suggested the move could be successful.

During the council meeting, supporters and opponents debated the suitability of 107 Adams St. for the proposed shelter and resource center. Advocates argued that the new location would help fill gaps in the city’s existing homeless services by providing daytime shelter and support during seasons when temporary options are unavailable. They also highlighted its proximity to other community resources, including a preferred family health center.

Kim Menken, an advocate, supported the proposal, noting that the Adams Street property was well suited for the center. “There are a lot of homeless in that area, so they’re already there, but it’s vacant and it’s right next to a preferred family health, which is a great location,” Menken said.

Currently, the shelter operates seasonally out of First Baptist Church, providing nighttime shelter to homeless individuals during the winter months. The existing facility has only 20 beds, limiting the number of people who can be housed at any given time. Johnston explained that during colder months, the shelter often turns people away due to limited capacity.

The proposed relocation would increase the shelter’s capacity to 30 people per night. Additionally, the new location would allow the shelter to function as a resource center during the day, offering more comprehensive support to those in need. In June, the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission had already voted 4-3 against recommending rezoning permission for the proposal.

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