Philip Quigley, chairman of the society, said the Town of Truro’s plot of land at 12 Mill Street has been granted for use by the shelter.
“Location-wise, it’s ideal, or we think it is,” said Quigley. “It’s one of two locations we were looking at and we’re ecstatic with it. We have two years to get ‘er done, and that sits in our time frame.”
At a recent town council meeting, a motion was passed to grant the land to the society. If the project doesn’t begin within two years, the land reverts to the town, unless an extension is granted.
“We’re hoping for a community build; we would like to have the price covered and if it’s a community build, it will increase the possibility of the community having greater ownership of it in the future,” said Quigley.
By community build, Quigley said they’re not just hoping for financial contributions, but in-kind as well.
“What’s just as important is if there are people with the expertise that will help us build this,” he said.
A plan for a one-storey facility is off to the architect for approval, and if possible, site preparation will be done before the snow arrives.
First United Church has been providing space to house the homeless.
“We are most appreciative of the space but at the same time, they would love to have an end date, and we are anxious to have our own space,” Quigley said.
If the shelter is a community build, Quigley said the timetable could be accelerated, meaning there’s potential to be in the new facility a year from now.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
