Proposed shelter causes concerns

Increasing economic development and concerns about a proposed homeless shelter were the main topics Saturday afternoon during a town hall meeting at Newburg High School.

About 40 people attended the gathering in the gymnasium, which was sponsored by the Newburg Community Revitalization Program Group, and emceed by Richie Myers.

Almost from the beginning, residents expressed concern about a proposed homeless shelter by Newburg native Dr. Vicky L. Gulley, a family-practice physician with an office in Waynesville.

“This will be a Christian, men-only place for the career homeless,” Gulley said. “I don’t think there will be a drug problem, not any more than already exists.”

Gulley, who is a retired military physician, said she has yet to receive one patron. However, she said, the homeless “will be checked for contraband,” and if some are found, they’ll be asked to leave. ... I feel very compelled by God to do this. As a Christian, I am driven to do this.”

Judy Wright, the executive director of the Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise — an organization that often deals with the homeless in Rolla, attended and asked about plans for security at the shelter.

Explaining her plans for the facility, which will be located at 180 Main St., Gulley said they intend to open the facility about 7 p.m., accept the homeless until about 9:30 or 10 p.m. at which time patrons would be “locked down.”

“If they elect to leave at that time, they will not be allowed back in,” Gulley said.

Gulley said in the morning, the homeless would then be free to pursue jobs or other means.

A woman of strong faith who attends Kentuck Baptist Church just south of Newburg, Gulley said her son, William Poucher will manage the facility with assistance from her daughter, Tiffany Poucher.

“We have about six beds, and we’ll offer them a meal in the evening and something light in the morning, a continental-type breakfast,” she said.

Elizabeth te Groen, who manages the Newburg Children’s Museum, said she is concerned the facility would become a “flophouse.”

“We don’t want a flophouse here. These kind of persons could be drifters,” te Groen said.

“It won’t be a flophouse,” Gulley countered. “Someone has to set an example. It’s not that cold now, but it was. Heaven forbid that someone would die out there when it was minus-20. I’m here to keep people from dying on the street,” she said.

Janice DuHadway applauded Gulley’s efforts, but is concerned about what the homeless people will do in the morning after they are free to leave the shelter.

“What if we have eight or 10 people here. ... There aren’t any jobs for them here,” DuHadway said. “They’ll be wandering the streets in the daytime. We’ve got schoolchildren walking the streets.”

Gulley reminded those attending she had yet to have a patron at the shelter, but added “they would do their best” to screen those who attend.

Frances Marie Barton, who works with the Department of Aging with 36 years of social-work background, also applauded Gulley’s efforts, but said without proper screening, children could be at risk.
“You could be endangering the local children in the community,” Barton said.

Phil Sagel, who is running for mayor of Newburg in the April 6 election, said the idea should be put on hold until Newburg could get full-time law enforcement. Currently, Newburg only has a part-time police chief.

Sagel did not divulge plans, if he is elected, to pay for a full-time officer.

“It’s a good idea, but we need to get to the point where people in Newburg don’t have to wait for law-enforcement,” Sagel said.

Pat Stevenson, who co-owns Blue’s Market with husband Roy, presented plaques of appreciation to former councilman Jim Hoss and fire chief Tommy Brumett.

Maureen Hall, the NCRPG president, also announced plans to have a message box for people who want to volunteer for community projects installed at Blue’s Market. Hall said people who want to get involved could leave their names, addresses and phone numbers.

Zelma Smith, who has lived in the area since 1957, gave an update on the Houston House. Smith said she and others are in the process of repairing the kitchen at the Houston House and “by the First of May” they hope to have the kitchen open to offer once again the popular chicken and biscuits meal.

“We hope to have the kitchen open two weekends a month,” Smith said.

Kendra Gilbert also announced plans for a community garden in the proposed NCRPG park area.

“We hope to get going on this in about three weeks,” Gilbert told the group.

Hall said there would be a subsequent town hall meeting, although a date has yet to be set.