Construction begins on new shelter for Omaha homeless people
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Foundation work is beginning on a new shelter for Omaha's homeless people.
The new building will replace the old structure being used by Siena-Francis House. The new shelter is being erected on the site of a former salvage yard in north downtown Omaha.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that the new building will have beds for 350 men and up to 100 women, plus a kitchen, dining space, common areas and rooms for counseling and case management. Shelter officials say it will replace worn-out, cramped shelter space that doesn't meet the community's needs.
The philanthropic organization Heritage Services is leading an $18.9 million capital campaign to improve the services and provide a better shelter.