Interfaith is taking in 10 to 15 people a night at the open-air shelter in addition to its indoor beds. Some public comment expressed concern that the addition will draw homeless individuals to the area and leave the overflow on the streets, but Grimsley says they could comfortably take 50 to 60 more people as long as they are seeking help and go through the vetting process.
Individuals in the open-air shelter have access to bathrooms and can leave at will, but most stay the whole night unless they have a job to get to.
Grimsley says they have seen people accumulating near Interfaith since the city shut down a large encampment a few months ago, which prompted the temporary open-air shelter plan.
Ocala/Marion County community briefs for April 15, 2021
Staff reports
Ocala town hall meeting set for May 3
The Governor s West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council will host a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. May 3 at the Ed Croskey Center, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala. Guest speakers will be Shane Alexander, Ocala Fire Rescue chief, to discuss the agency s mentorship program; Tammy Haslem, City of Ocala budget director, to discuss user fees/tax assessments; and Karla Grimsley, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, to discuss the homeless issue on Northwest Second Street and provide an update on her agency s expansion plans. Social distancing guidelines will be followed; attendees are encouraged to wear masks. Seating is limited. For more information, email Gwonrc@outlook.com.