Leah Reed, of the Eastern North Carolina Poverty Network, which is based out of All Saints Episcopal Church, made the presentation to council, explaining the organization wanted to help churches reach out to more people. “There's little to nothing for homeless women,” she said. “There are very few options other than going house to house or couch to couch.”

After more than 18 months of discussion the idea of the Room at the Inn program was born, she said. “Fire Station II was brought to our attention.”

Reed asked council for a two-year lease with an option to buy.

In an information sheet presented to council, Reed noted, “There are many homeless women and children in Halifax County; local organizations get daily calls requesting help, but do not currently have anywhere to send them locally.

Reed speaks to council.

“Many of the women who call have worked, but have either had their hours cut to a point that they can no longer pay bills or have lost their jobs. The children suffer the most; they bear no responsibility for what brought the family to this, but still have to live with the consequences.”

The sheet further explains Room at the Inn is a Christian temporary emergency shelter program modeled after those offered in many cities throughout the state. “It is a direct response to the needs of local citizens facing this hardship.”

The information sheet says local churches are invited to be a part by opening their doors for one week to homeless women and children.

The program, Reed said, is backed by the Eastern North Carolina Poverty Network, the Union Mission, Angel's Closet, the John 3:16 Center and 15 local churches. The Halifax County Housing Collaborative, a group of concerned citizens, also backs the program.

Access, according to the information provided to council, would require screening, including mandatory drug testing for any potential resident that is more than 16. They will agree to a covenant with the organization. A maximum of 10 women and children will be accepted.

Reed told council she is eyeing a November 4 start and believes the old fire station, currently being used to store police and fire equipment, as well as a meeting place for the Civil Air Patrol, is the perfect spot, although she said organizers have a back-up plan.

“A permanent location would make the logistics of this program much easier to plan,” she said in the information sheet. “Rather than having to make transportation arrangements from different local churches, such a central building would allow easy access to (the) Union Mission for lunches, proximity to local schools and organizations. In addition beds, bedding and records could be housed in the building rather requiring transport every week.”

Reed cited in the paper the building is in a good location and the city is not using it full-time. “In addition, it has office space, a full kitchen, showers and bathrooms and has two areas that could be developed for sleeping space. The building has a fenced-in areas which could be readily expanded.”

Reed, who told council the organization would pay for the upkeep, maintenance and utilities, said the program is more than just a place to sleep. “It's not going to be a flophouse. We're going to offer job skills and life skills training.”

She said in the information sheet the program, “Addresses an issue that is detrimental to our community and makes clear the city has a concern for its homeless citizens.”

Rick Gilstrap, the former president of the Halifax Regional Medical Center, spoke about the proposal. “Being poor, being in poverty, is a horrible thing. Whatever we can do through churches to give people a step forward would be wonderful.”

Mayor Emery Doughtie's mother, Evelyn, also spoke in favor of the proposal. “I sometimes wonder what I would do if I didn't have a place to sleep at night.”

Reed explained following the meeting Room at the Inn is different than Hannah's Place, a shelter for domestic violence victims, because it deals specifically with homeless women and children. She said she would await word from city council.

Fire Chief Stacy Coggins said afterwards, “Philosophically, I believe it's a great idea. I believe there are hoops that will have to be jumped through.”

There is some future thought of having a third fire station, he said. “But for homeless children, how could I argue against it?”

Scherer said before any decision is made by council, which has the ultimate authority over leasing or selling city property, a thorough review of the building would have to be done. That would include looking at its livability and functionality. “It has some maintenance issues.”