LOCAL

Construction of men's homeless shelter set to begin in Vanport

From Staff Reports

Thanks to recent funding, the planned 24/7 men's homeless shelter in Vanport Township is set to begin construction.

VANPORT TWP. — The Cornerstone of Beaver County announced Wednesday construction can now begin on its men's homeless shelter at 697 State St.

The group said work can begin thanks to $1 million in American Rescue Plan funding from the Beaver County Commissioners, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding, $398,369 in Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act funding, and $200,000 in PA Housing Affordability Fund (PHARE) funding.

South view rendering of the Vanport building soon to be renovated to serve as the TCBC Men's Emergency Shelter. Rendering by WTW Architects.

In a release, Cornerstone officials state in early 2021 they purchased the building, the former Drug and Alcohol Services of Beaver County building, and worked with WTW Architects on the renovation design. Graham Construction was selected as the construction partner for the project.

The men's shelter will be 24/7, and have 20 beds.

In a joint statement, county commissioners said: "The men's emergency shelter is a priority. The lack of an in-county, 24-hour shelter that accepts men has created hardship and vulnerability that was significantly exacerbated by the pandemic. We are excited and honored to commit our support to The Cornerstone of Beaver County to ensure their successful completion and operation of this vital project. The men's emergency shelter and all of its supportive services will strengthen and uplift our community."

The release adds community donations played an important role in the shelter's build-out and ongoing operations, such as $10,000 last December from PennEnergy.

"We are pleased to support construction of the new emergency men’s shelter in Beaver County. This is a critical need that has been lacking in our community, and we are honored to partner with the dedicated staff at TCBC to help make it happen," said PennEnergy Resources Chairman and CEO, Richard D. Weber.

Plans are underway for a wall-breaking ceremony to celebrate the construction commencement of this highly-anticipated project.

It is estimated that the shelter will open this summer.

"We are deeply grateful for the county's unwavering commitment to this project, and we are inspired by the increasing support coming from the community," said TCBC Executive Director Marie Timpano.

Timpano continued: "Since the beginning of winter, we have expressed our hope that this will be the last winter our community has to endure without a men's emergency shelter. I'm thrilled to say that it looks like that hope is going to become a reality."

Shelter build-out plans include accommodations for 24/7 emergency shelter and safety, case management and basic needs provisions, and a variety of supportive services to help shelter participants transition successfully to permanent housing, stability and long-term independence.