Since halting operations and services last week, the United Christian Advocacy Network has worked in tandem with city, county officials and other non-profit organizations to house current guests, who were unable to be housed in local hotels and motels. Pictured are cots being set-up in the basement of the Jamestown Free Methodist Church, which has become an -ad hoc- temporary shelter, again.

Last week, six homeless guests of the United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission had their world upended. As previously reported by The Post-Journal, UCAN City Mission had to shutter its doors and halt offering services because of the discovery of asbestos in its building located on West First Street in Jamestown.

Working in conjunction with county, city and nonprofit organization officials, UCAN guests have been placed in local hotels and motels, pending the reopening of the City Mission’s doors. However, six guests needed to be moved from the hotels and motels they were temporarily sheltered at to other accommodations.

As it has done in the past, Jamestown Free Methodist Church again provided shelter, food and support for those displaced. Pastor Dodi McIntyre, the church’s lead pastor, and their congregation stepped up to assist.

“On January 31st we were able to successfully move our guests out of a hotel and move them temporarily to Joy Fellowship. We have been blessed by Pastor Dodi McIntyre and the Joy Fellowship congregation for their positive response to our request to provide temporary housing for our guests,” said Sharon Hamilton, board chair, UCAN City Mission. “Our staff has assisted our guests to get settled into this warm, safe place to spend the night. Joy Fellowship supplies the men with breakfast and Monday, Wednesday and Friday with lunch meals,”

Moreover, additional community organizations and individuals have continued to offer support and services for the City Mission.

“Another blessing has been the invitation from St. Susan’s to utilize one of their offices in which to relocate our administrative, clerical and case management staff,” Hamilton said. “This quick turnaround was only possible thanks to the diligent efforts of our committed staff and volunteers as well as great community partners who have been able to step up to help meet this need.”

Hamilton is still unsure when the City Mission will be able to open its doors again and begin services.

“We await the results of the asbestos evaluation, anticipated remediation, and the completion of the HVAC installation,” she said. “We have had community members asking how they can help. First, keep praying for us to receive all the wisdom, protection, and resources we need to provide our guests with the love of Jesus. Second, keep remembering the mission in your giving as we manage unanticipated costs that certainly weren’t part of our budget planning.”

Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund has been in contact with UCAN officials to offer whatever support it can.

“In light of the news of the resignation of UCAN Executive Director, Aaron Wadin and the ongoing asbestos abatement and repairs to the mission’s heating system, the city has been in contact with UCAN Board members to offer support and the assistance of the Department of Development,” she said. “It is our understanding that all current guests of the mission have been provided with temporary shelter solutions and will continue to receive the care and support of UCAN staff while the critical repairs to the building are completed. The city remains in contact with UCAN and will provide whatever assistance we are able.