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A city plan to relocate Cincinnati’s emergency winter daytime shelter to the heart of Over-the-Rhine is drawing sharp criticism.
Some neighbors fear the move will exacerbate crime and safety issues in the revitalizing district.
The City of Cincinnati announced recently that it has partnered with St. Francis Seraph Ministries. They will host the temporary shelter at the St. Anthony Center, located at 1615 Republic St.
The move was necessitated by ongoing renovations at the shelter’s previous location, the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center.
While city officials describe the partnership as a vital safety net for the unhoused during extreme weather, some long-time residents argue the location is ill-suited for the neighborhood.
Neighbors air safety concerns
John Donaldson, who has lived in Over-the-Rhine for more than 25 years, told WCPO that placing the shelter on Republic Street is “the wrong solution” and “the wrong place.”
WCPO reported that Donaldson expressed concern that the facility could act as an anchor for illicit activity, citing previous issues with large crowds gathering outside the church and reports of open-air drug dealing in the vicinity.
“It’s holding this area from reaching its potential,” Donaldson said in an interview with the station. He suggested that such services would be better situated in an industrial area. It would be preferable rather than in a dense residential neighborhood.
Security protocols implemented
Moreover, city officials and ministry leaders have sought to assuage these concerns by outlining strict security protocols for the new site. Mary Pat Rapa, executive director of St. Francis Seraph Ministries, confirmed that police officers would be present to assist with managing the influx of people.
Brooke Liskom, a representative for the city, detailed the security measures that will be in place when the shelter is active.
Security will screen guests upon entry. Liskom said staff will check bags and lock prohibited items such as weapons or substances in an adjacent room. This process ensures guests do not bring them into the main facility.
Operations and logistics
City officials designed the shelter as an emergency measure rather than a permanent fixture. City Manager Sheryl Long will activate it at her discretion.
Activation typically occurs when daytime temperature forecasts drop below 15 degrees or during significant snow and ice events.
Operating hours for the shelter will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Furthermore, to prevent guests from being stranded overnight, the city will provide bus transportation to the Shelterhouse on Gest Street. This will be for overnight sleeping arrangements.
Despite these assurances, the tension highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing humanitarian aid with neighborhood concerns. This is especially relevant in one of Cincinnati’s most historic districts.
The city maintains that the St. Anthony Center, which already provides daily meals to the community, can effectively handle the winter operations.
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