Jackson Interfaith Shelter Seeks State Grant for Family-Focused Shelter Expansion

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz recently testified in support of a proposed $1 million state grant to help the Jackson Interfaith Shelter build a new family-focused facility. The funding request was made as part of the state budget process and would support the construction of a separate shelter for families on property already owned by the organization. This initiative aims to create a safer, more tailored environment for parents and children as they work toward stability and independence.

Currently, the shelter houses both single adults and families under one roof, which complicates the ability to provide targeted care. The proposed project will build a separate shelter solely for families, allowing the current facility to transition into a shelter for single adults. This reconfiguration is expected to create a more suitable and supportive environment for all shelter residents and increase the number of beds available for single women.

“This shelter has been a lifeline in Jackson for half a century,” Schmaltz said. “Now it’s time for us to step up and support their next chapter. Families who are facing tough times need a safe place to land, where they can heal, grow, and get back on their feet.”

Founded in 1974 after a man tragically froze to death on the streets of Jackson, the Jackson Interfaith Shelter has served as a trusted resource for individuals and families in crisis. The organization provides emergency food and shelter, case management, transitional housing, and three meals a day to anyone in need, regardless of whether they are currently staying at the shelter.

Castle, the shelter’s CEO, emphasized the importance of a dedicated space for families. “At this point in our history, as we reach our 50-year mark, the need is to make sure there’s a separate designated space for families,” he said. “That’s for safety, for targeted care, for the classes we can provide, for a shared kitchen space so we can work on cooking together.”

The project also includes an overflow outbuilding for use during extreme weather events, ensuring no vulnerable Jackson resident is left without shelter during dangerous conditions. This expansion reflects a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community and providing more comprehensive support for those experiencing homelessness.

The shelter’s mission aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges believers to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. By creating a more focused and safe environment for families, the Jackson Interfaith Shelter continues to fulfill its role as a place of mercy and hope.

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