News : Donald Martin Shelter under consideration for Homeless Shelter

The rarely used Donald Martin Shelter house in discussion to be used as a homeless shelter

back of the shelter, entrance to the storm shelter area

There have been several discussions happening both with the city and county concerning partnering with the Willis Dady Homeless Services. A concern in Vinton is for the homeless that are found in Vinton, and unseen to most of us.

The police chief had shared with the council that there has been damage in the past caused by those that are homeless trying to find shelter. Parks are sometimes the targets using the buildings in search of a place to stay, especially in the winter.

A solution being tossed around is converting a shelter house into a homeless shelter. I have to be honest and say that I didn't even realize the shelter being considered was even there. Nestled at the end of Q Ave. it is rarely if ever used, and one of the finest shelter houses in town.

The lower level is used as a storm shelter built with the local trailer park in mind.

The City of Vinton completed and dedicated the Donald Martin Shelter, in 2010. The shelter was the project of Don Martin the city coordinator, but he did not live long enough to see it completed.

A ribbon cutting was held in April 2010 at the completion of the building. back in 2011, the building had suffered some major wind damage back in July 2011 with wind estimated at 130 mph damaging the front wall of the shelter.

The upstairs would be used for the shelter but has no furnace in the building so that would be one of the needed items for the project.

The shelter is in the beginning stages of planning and would be part of the resources that the rural access center could use in their efforts to divert people in need away f r o m jail or other institutes. Right now Benton County pays to transport people to Cedar Rapids who need a place to stay. Preliminary plans include the shelter being staffed throughout the night and possibly remaining open when the weather drops below zero in winter months to protect those in need.

Willis Dady is working with area leaders to help cover the cost of the project seeking grants and donations for the project.

The Shelter House is located at the end of Q Ave. in a cul-de-sac on the west edge of Vinton.