Monroe, Michigan, homeless shelter closes after inspection finds safety concerns

The Oaks Village homeless shelter in Monroe, Michigan, was forced to close Friday after city leaders said a recent inspection uncovered multiple life safety concerns. The closure left dozens of people who had been using the shelter searching for a new place to stay.

Garry Moore, executive director of Oaks Village, said 48 people were staying at the facility when the announcement was made. According to the City of Monroe, Oaks Village had initiated an inspection to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The inspection revealed major safety concerns with the building, including electrical hazards, questions surrounding emergency evacuation paths, and the lack of a carbon monoxide and fire suppression system. The city said the building could not remain occupied and ordered it to close on Friday.

In a statement, the City of Monroe said the decision followed “months of productive collaboration behind the scenes between the City and Oaks Village leadership.” The city wrote that it “understands that this situation creates uncertainty for those who rely on these services” and that “these actions were taken solely to protect everyone involved.” It added that ongoing collaboration would focus on next steps and identifying available resources as the future of the shelter is evaluated.

Moore claims the shelter was given just three days to leave. While some people staying there have found housing with friends or other organizations, Moore said it has been a challenge to find a place for everyone. “It has been kind of panic mode these past few days,” Moore said. “Our mission is to support those in the community who are most in need.” He later added, “It’s still kind of sinking in, and we’re just doing everything we can in the moment as things come along, as we find new information, to make the right steps forward.”

Jason Walker moved to Michigan several months ago in search of better work opportunities and stayed at Oaks Village while he worked on job certifications. He described the shelter’s staff as “a fundamental rock,” saying, “They stayed in contact with my family. They did the things that matter most,” a lesson in welcoming strangers (Matthew 25:35). Walker is one of the dozens of people leaving the facility this week, and he said the news stunned him. “I didn’t know what to think. I was numb the first day. Then I started helping them clean up, pack up. It really caught me off guard.”

Monroe officials said they are also working to help find placement for people at Oaks Village. Questions or concerns about access to placement or services can be directed to the Monroe County Opportunity Program at (734) 241-2775, and walk-ins are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make the required repairs, Oaks Village launched an online fundraiser with a goal of $500,000.

Those at the shelter remain hopeful that it will reopen one day. “It’s going to go the way God wants it, and I’m here for it,” said Lonnie Walker, a volunteer at the shelter.

Source: Read the original report