Jefferson City Salvation Army to double occupancy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Salvation Army says it is doubling the number of beds at its shelter.

According to a Facebook post, the Center of Hope shelter is undergoing a full renovation that will double its capacity from 31 to 62 beds. The project includes adding a new family wing, transitioning open bathroom facilities into private spaces and expanding the food pantry to five times its original size.

Last April, the Jefferson City Task Force on Homelessness called for more shelters, centralized resources and affordable housing. The task force recommended using federal and state grant funding to support coordination efforts and expand staffing.

In July, Jefferson City's Public Works and Planning Committee met to discuss research on safety requirements for shelters.

A memorandum by the Department of Planning and Protective Services said more research was needed because current shelters have no safety regulations.

This is an ongoing story; check back for updates.