During a work session Monday, Lewiston city councilors indicated a willingness to allow the Union Gospel Mission to expand the capacity of a planned homeless shelter along Snake River Avenue.
Raising the cap from the current 50 beds to 100 beds would apply only to so-called “high barrier” shelters that require sobriety and participation in rehabilitation programs for their residents. Mission CEO Phil Altmeyer has repeatedly told the council that his organization’s shelters are of that variety, and have not been detrimental to the neighborhoods they occupy.
After discussion, the council was receptive to amending city code to accommodate the mission and others who may open shelters in the future.
City Attorney Jana Gomez has begun drafting the necessary code changes, which will be brought to the City Council and the Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission in the coming months. (Lewiston Tribune)
