Homeless shelter opening delayed

The opening of the Heart of Hope Homeless Shelter has been delayed because of lack of money, according to the Rev. Towanda Hope, who is optimistic the shelter to be operational by spring.

The shelter, in the basement of Powerhouse of Praise & Deliverance Center in Radcliff, still lacks several elements before it can be completed, Hope said. To accomplish what is left, the center needs to raise about $25,000.

The shelter was scheduled to open in January or February, but now Hope said she would like to see it open by April.

“We’re just trying to get it done,” she said.

The renovation of the basement will give the shelter a family room, single parent room and five single homes once completed. It will feature a laundry room, kitchen and men’s and women’s restrooms.

The shelter still needs elements such as handicap-accessible showers, fireproof doors, drywall and flooring, Hope said. She wants to see the shelter open as soon as possible, because she receives frequent calls from those who are in need of a place to stay.

If the shelter were operating now, she said, “it’d already be filled to capacity.” Capacity is estimated at 12 people.

The shelter also would include meals, job and life skills training spiritual counseling, and possibly courses on money management and GED training.

The shelter has received strong community support so far, Hope said. She said she is looking for monetary donations or businesses willing to donate their services in the areas needed.

Donations can be made by calling Hope at (270) 982-3030.

Kelly Cantrall can be reached at (270) 505-1747 or kcantrall@thenewsenterprise.com.