The 2017 homeless count identified 70 people who had no permanent shelter in Richmond

The hearing began Thursday night and continued through most of Friday night

RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – A controversial proposal to build temporary modular housing for the homeless in Richmond has been approved.

The hearing began Thursday night and continued through most of Friday night.

Many speakers say they are not against the project, but are against the location, on Elmbridge Way.

“I want to ask our city staff ‘is this proposed location, the only choice we have?’ I want to know what other location has been considered and eventually screened out.”

There were plenty of complaints centered around safety.

“Old people and young kids are the majority of vulnerable people. Do we need to hurt these people to make sure drug addicts and alcoholics have a home? Shouldn’t we put their safety first?” says one speaker.

Yet other speakers countered that argument.

“Truth is, we currently have 120 bus people living in Richmond who are experiencing homelessness. If there are drug users, they are already using drugs on our streets.”

The 2017 homeless count identified 70 people who had no permanent shelter in Richmond.

The modular building is intended to be in operation for a maximum of five years and will house 40 people.

Tenants would have access to meals, laundry facilities, and programs that address life skills.

The lot is owned by the city, but Raincity Housing would operate the site and programs.