The Centralia City Council Tuesday night heard a proposal to convert the old Langenfeld Hotel into a homeless shelter.
Jon Minor of the non-profit Manasseh Homeless and Addiction Charity has been in contact with the owner of the hotel that is vacant and has fallen into disrepair. He says while the owner is looking at multiple offers to sell the building for a dollar, there is interest in donating the building to Manasseh if the group can raise the money to complete needed major improvements and renovation.
Minor has been working to build a new shelter for several years, but so far has not been able to raise money for the project. He feels if there is a building, the money can be raised.
“I think there is a need, because the homeless always comes to the churches first. So they see first hand what the need is and are well aware of the need. I think that between these three counties, Marion, Clinton and Washington, I do believe we can come up with the funding through the churches. That’s my belief, I have faith, but I have no evidence of that.”
Minor told the council the shelter would only serve those who have been a resident of the three county area for three years.
“This homeless shelter will not create a homeless or crime program…the homeless, crime and drug problems already persist. This will help provide a solution.”
The council asked questions but didn’t give Minor an answer on support of the project. Minor noted there was no need to pursue getting the building if the city would not work with them.
In other action, the council approved utilizing Fehr Graham to prepare a $1.5-million Community Development Block Grant to construct a replacement raw water line from Carlyle Lake to the existing and new water treatment plants. Another resolution was approved to have Gonzalez Companies, LLC to perform engineering and construction engineering services for sidewalk improvements for portions of Sycamore, Pine, East 5th and East 7th. Street improvements associated with the project have been eliminated as a result of the lone bid coming in over estimate. Once the plans are completed, there will be a rebid on the work.
Old Langenfeld Motel. Photo by Pat Hodges.
