An architect's rendering shows how cottages for the homeless will look on land in east Norman. [PHOTO PROVIDED]

NORMAN — April Heiple, executive director of Food and Shelter, said the organization's building at 104 W Comanche St. has "given all it's got to give. It really can't give any more."

A new shelter headquarters with cottage-style housing for the homeless in east Norman will enable the nonprofit agency to better serve low-income individuals, families and the homeless, she said.

Food and Shelter is the premiere organization in Norman that provides food for the low income and homeless, and shelter for many. But many more need help, Heiple says, and a new, expanded operation on three acres on the east side of Reed Avenue, south of E Main Street, "will do something really important for this community."

Heiple was exuberant Wednesday "and relieved and grateful," after appearing before the Norman City Council on Tuesday to make an impassioned plea to approve re-zoning of the land to pave the way for construction.