TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — After months of push-back from people in the area, the City Walk Urban Mission shelter is now allowing the community to tour the facility.
This week, city leaders and community members stopped by City Walk taking a look at the shelter that's getting mixed reactions in the community.
The shelter opened last November as homelessness rose in Leon County due to the pandemic.
Some neighbors aren't happy about its location on Mahan Drive in the east part of Tallahassee, taking their concerns to the city.
City Commissioners Jack Porter and Jeremy Matlow both came out to see how it was run.
Neighbors in the Greater Brandt Hills community say there's been misinformation about the facility and how it's run and so they decided to also see it first hand.
"It was a lot of hearsay, I'm not a fan of misinformation, I'm not a fan of the rumors spreading so for me it was great because I got a chance to go in and see for myself," said Kellie Jones.
"Regardless of the complaints and the issues there is a need that needs to be met and a population that is vulnerable and needs assistance," said City Commissioner Jack Porter.
Porter says she understands the community's concern, adding people deserve to know what's happening in their neighborhood.
She tells ABC 27, the city is working with the Big Bend Continuum of care to specifically address Tallahassee's homeless issue.
City Walk says people can schedule an appointment to tour the shelter.
The city will provide an update on homelessness and discuss City Walks shelter during Wednesday's meeting.
