The Haven of Rest in Bristol is moving forward with plans to build two new shelters.
The Planning Commission approved a special-use permit for the Grace Recovery Home for Women to be built on 2nd Street. It was standing room only for last night's meeting after the neighboring YWCA argued the facility could cause safety issues. The planning commission approved it 7 to 2.
Haven of Rest responded to the YWCA's concerns with a list of plans to keep the neighborhood safe. Below are several points from that list:
• Program residents are under constant supervision by Mission staff members, day and night.
• The screening process weeds out sexual offenders, active drug users and those given to violence.
• Resident restrictions include no smoking, no drug use, no cell phones, limited and pre-approved visitation, and restriction to campus unless chaperoned for appointments. Failure to comply leads to dismissal.
"We hope to help more women hopefully to salvage more families. The women seem to be sometimes the hub of a family with the children and their different needs," said Carmen Johnson with Haven of Rest.
A men's recovery shelter is planned for a piece of land next to the Haven of Rest. Construction is expected to start in the next few months.
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