Harrisonburg homeless shelter completion delayed; Open Doors is looking for a temporary shelter

On October 24, 2024By Yukito

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Open Doors announced that construction of a new permanent homeless shelter in Harrisonburg has hit an unfortunate hitch.

Open Doors Executive Director Nate Riddle said Wednesday morning that due to an unexpected problem, the Navigation Center will not be completed as planned for Oct. 30.

The delay is due to a life safety function related to the building’s fire resistance.

“This is an element that ensures life safety. I believe it slows down the fire and prevents the structure from collapsing in that event… We need to make sure there are people in the building to make it safe,” Riddle said.

With winter fast approaching, Open Doors is looking for a location to place its thermal shelter until the construction of the Navigation Center is completed.

“Time is of the essence,” Riddle said. “We have traditionally started the thermal season the first week of November, so we hope to continue to do so and find a facility in the town of Harrisonburg that can remain a permanent facility until the Navigation Center pool opens.”

Riddle said Open Doors is preparing in case the Navigation Center is not completed in time for the thermal shelter season. He said the pivot shelter model is no longer feasible, so Open Doors needs a permanent location in the city that could house a church or business.

“We are used to working in many small rooms or in one large room. So in terms of square footage, there is no specific number, but we should be able to fit between 20 and 40 people. Our goal is 40 – that’s what we traditionally do,” Riddle said.

Each temporary shelter would have to have bathrooms, but would not have to have showers, Riddle said. He asked all available hosts to contact Open Doors.

“We are hiring some additional staff, so their rollout will start next week. Our team was with us all summer. They are prepared, so our staff will be prepared, Riddle said. “The city will work with us quickly to navigate the permitting process, etc., for any temporary facilities.”

Riddle said developer Nielsen has not yet provided a timeline for Open Doors on how long the delay will be in completing the Navigation Center.