Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Kim McMillan held a press conference Tuesday afternoon in response to questions from the public about the shutdown Monday night of an emergency warming shelter, The Refuge, operated by Manna Café Ministries.
Manna Café released a statement on its Facebook page Monday night regarding the closure but did not offer an explanation, which sparked controversy across several social media platforms.
A new page titled “Open The Refuge” was created by the community and called for a public rally during the Mayor’s swearing-in ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Executive Director of Manna Café Kenny York issued a second statement on Facebook asking the public not to protest.
During Tuesday’s address, Mayor McMillan outlined the reasons for closing The Refuge Monday, particularly the availability of bed space at other pre-existing homeless shelters in the city. The city’s Community Housing and Development Office works with existing shelters and agencies to report on bed space and figure out where those in need can go on a regular basis, according to Tammy Kilgore with the office.
The following is a list of the organizations and their occupancies Monday night according to the Mayor:
Salvation Army: Three individuals checked in; 14 empty beds plus two empty family rooms
Room in the Inn: 13 individuals checked in; 36 empty beds
Buffalo Valley: Seven individuals checked in, two of whom were transferred from the hospital, and five who were transported by Manna Café staffers
However, with the onset of subfreezing temperatures and severe weather alerts in the area this week, McMillan said she has decided to temporarily open the Burt Cobb Community Center (a city-owned facility) at 1011 Franklin St. as a precaution beginning Tuesday at 5 p.m. through the rest of the week. The mayor said this building is better equipped to house people with the proper facilities. Volunteers from Manna Café will assist the city in staffing the shelter, which can accommodate, men, women, children, and families.
“My highest priority is and always has been the safety of all of Clarksville’s citizens, including those who are less fortunate and need homes during the cold weather,” the mayor said. “Working together, we can address the potentially hazardous situation for some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
McMillan also said Manna’s temporary shelter was closed because it did not meet the safety standards outlined by Buildings and Codes. Fire Marshal Ray Williams and Buildings and Codes Director Mike Baker signed an official statement that outlined the following safety/code compliance issues with the building known as The Refuge on Frosty Morn Dr.:
• Men’s sleeping area: Overcrowded rooms: 5 rooms with 6 cots, 2 rooms w/ 5 cots
• Women’s sleeping area: Overcrowded rooms: 1 room w/ 6 cots, 2 rooms w/ 3 cots
• Total sleeping: 52 occupants (Officially the building is only equipped to handle 20 occupants including staff)
• Inadequate emergency egress for sleeping areas
• Improper fire partitions for sleeping areas
• Men’s restroom: Noncompliant toilets, urinals, showers, and lavatories
• Women’s restroom: Noncompliant toilet area and lavatories
• Fire extinguishers: Expired, not approved for service, improper mounting
• Kitchen area: Cooking range installed without hood or exhaust, no fire suppression system
• No sprinkler system
• Inoperable emergency/exit lighting
• 911 address not located on the building
• Concern with animal housing with occupants
Manna Café board member Charles Boyd said he is glad the city is working with the organization. “We appreciate Mayor McMillan’s willingness to work with Manna Café and of course with all the agencies in the Clarksville area,” Boyd said. “Our goal at Manna is to serve the community in the right way and a safe way. It’s not about who gets the credit, it’s about that something is done. That is what Manna is all about.”
Director Kenny York agreed, saying the focus should be on those who are hurting and in need of assistance.