Some big changes are taking place at the Rescue Mission in Syracuse as the organization continues to fight homelessness in central New York.
A new $7.2 million wing will increase the number of beds for temporary shelter and for the first time, will offer that service to women, according to Rescue Mission CEO Alan Thornton.
"We have two dorms available. We anticipate between 40 and 50 women a night to be able to stay in the emergency shelter. And of course that’s all managed through access control and supervision with security on site as well,” said Thornton. “If you’re homeless, it shouldn’t matter what your gender is. We should be able to get you off the street, get you the support you need to move forward.”
The Rescue Mission is also making more plans for helping individuals when they’re ready to get off the street. The state has allocated $8 million for 68 new permanent apartments for homeless men and women. The capacity at the current facility will essentially double. Thornton says that’s key.
“When I sit with our case managers, I hear repeatedly from them, the biggest challenge is not enough affordable housing, that’s quality, that’s safe, that I can place a client into. So the more we can rally to that cause in our community, the sooner we’re going to end homelessness in our community.”
