By Todd Hatton
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-996721.mp3
Paducah, KY – Back in November, the Paducah City Planning Commission voted to recommend a change in the zoning laws allowing the construction of homeless shelters. The measure now goes to the full commission for consideration. The group advocating for the ordinance, Tent City Missions, is already working on a Tennessee Street location. The plan to open that facility has hit a snag. This past week, the city building inspector condemned the building, citing unsafe occupancy conditions and zoning violations. And according to news reports, some residents near the building are less than enthused about having a homeless shelter in the neighborhood. Nevertheless, Tent City Missions coordinator Michele Thomas says they're not discouraged; if anything, they are more determined to help Paducah's homeless. Todd Hatton met up with Thomas in front of the proposed shelter on a cold evening this past week to find out what's next for the mission and its work.
Michele Thomas is coordinator for Tent City Missions. Todd Hatton spoke with her outside the building they want to turn into Paducah's first homeless shelter.