Columbia City Council approves permit for Opportunity Campus

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council on Monday night approved the conditional use permit for the construction of a public campus offering services for the homeless.

The 23,600-square-foot shelter would be built at Bowling Street and Business Loop 70 East and operated by the Voluntary Action Center. The City Council approved zoning changes for the project in October.

The shelter would operate around the lock year-round.

This project has been supported by VAC as well as other advocates for those who have experienced homelessness. However, it's seen pushback from neighbors and organizations such as the Business Loop 70 CID. There was a lot of support for the approval of the permit by audience members at Monday night's meeting.

Plans for the Opportunity Campus include 75 beds that could expand to 100 if needed. The center would host showers, laundry, access to the internet, some transportation and is considering a limited medical clinic.