Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 21, 1995 TAG: 9503210088
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The proposed shelter would be in a vacant two-story frame house at 231 Randolph Ave., an area zoned R-O (residential-office). The former residents donated their house to the Pulaski County Youth Emergency Shelter, an organization working for more than a year to establish such a facility.
The town Planning Commission has recommended approval with the condition that a fence be built on its north and south sides. Council will hold a public hearing on the conditional use permit at its 7 p.m. meeting.
The shelter would provide a place for young people, up to age 18, to stay for up to four or five days during an emergency or crisis situation at home.
The project started two years ago when representatives of several agencies dealing with young people, from the Pulaski County school system to the town's Juvenile Intervention Office, found that they shared a need for a shelter to which they could refer youngsters at times. Their meetings led to the formation of the county shelter organization.
Sometimes the shelter could be used for a young person to have a cooling-off period in the midst of a family argument. There are also times when it would be needed to assure the safety of the young person, in an abuse situation, or in a situation where a parent is temporarily not available.
Two live-in employees would stay at the shelter, which would include counseling and dining areas, a living room or study, and sleeping quarters for up to eight youths.
Besides temporary shelter, the organization would provide counseling to young people and their families, referrals to other service agencies, and a plan arranging for the youth's return home or to an alternate living site.
Margaret Stevens, president of the county organization, said architect Tom Douthat is working on renovation plans to ease some Building Code problems. All code requirements would have to be met before the town could issue a certificate of occupancy.
Council is also expected to schedule its first three public town meetings, to be held in different parts of the town to encourage citizens who normally do not attend council meetings to meet with their elected representatives.
Tentatively, the first meetings would be at 7 p.m. March 28 at the New River Valley Emergency Building on Lagrange Street, April 11 at a location to be announced, and April 25 at Pulaski Middle School.
by CNB