Homeless shelter prepares to reopen

Electrical problems caused shutdown in August

By PAULA BARR
Daily Journal Staff Writer

It took much longer than expected, but the electrical problems at Shared Blessings homeless shelter are repaired and the shelter is about to reopen.

That will take place on Sunday, when the new caretaker moves into the building on First Street, east of Bonne Terre, said Charlene Huskey, president of the homeless shelter.

An electrical problem forced the shelter to close in mid-August.

“We had to wait for Union Electric to turn off the power before we could do the repairs,” Huskey said. “We rewired and put in a new box. Then we had to wait for the electric to be turned back on and we had to find a new caretaker.”

James Hinson, a writer who is working on a book, has accepted the caretaker position, Huskey said. He was one of two finalists and was chosen after two interviews and a background check.

Anyone who is in desperate need of shelter before Sunday should call 573-358-2686 and arrangements will be made, she added.

Any volunteers who are willing to fill in for Hinson on days off also are asked to call that number.

While the shelter was closed, Shared Blessings learned that businessman Sharo Shirshekan is donating an old nursing home building on Grove Street to be used as the homeless shelter. Shirshekan plans to begin renovation next week, Huskey said.

When completed, the new shelter will include a separate apartment for Hinson and approximately 13 large rooms, some of which will accommodate entire families. Plans call for the organization to sell the old building once the new building is ready for occupants.

 

Paula Barr is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 172 or at pbarr@dailyjournalonline.com.

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