Jefferson City, Missouri, council rejects zoning change for proposed winter homeless shelter

On Monday night, the Jefferson City Council voted 6-3 against a zoning change for 107 Adams Street, according to ABC17 and KRCG. KOMU reported the same 6-3 margin but added one abstention. KRCG reported that the vote took place on Sept. 21.

The proposal would have allowed a resource center and a winter shelter at the site. KRCG described a 30-bed winter shelter intended to support people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. ABC17 described the request differently, saying it sought a rezoning for a permanent homeless shelter and that Jefferson City Room at the Inn would convert a vacant building into a resource center and emergency shelter. The reports do not agree on whether the shelter was meant to be seasonal or permanent.

Housing the Community Jefferson City, a nonprofit referred to as HCJC in one report, spearheaded the initiative. According to KOMU, the rezoning would have allowed the group to move its temporary shelter from First Baptist Church to the vacant Adams Street building. Reports did not describe any other details of the church’s role in the shelter.

Scott Johnston, president of the group’s board, said the organization was disappointed by the decision but would not give up, according to KOMU. ABC17 reported that Housing the Community expressed disappointment but reaffirmed its commitment to addressing housing insecurity. In a statement quoted by ABC17, Johnston said the need remains regardless of the shelter’s address. Pursuing care for neighbors who lack housing, even after a setback, reflects the steady service described in Galatians 6:9.

KRCG reported that Johnston said the decision does not alter the organization’s mission.