Fort Wayne Anchor Resource Center location fight continues after feedback

Fort Wayne has released responses to more than 500 public comments about a proposed homeless resource center, but the project’s downtown location and funding remain unresolved.

The city posted the responses July 14 as officials continued reviewing the proposed Anchor Resource Center at 333 E. Washington Blvd. The facility would be operated by the newly formed Anchor Resource Center nonprofit and is intended to serve families and individuals facing homelessness through a 24/7, low-barrier center connecting people with housing, job training and employment, and mental and physical health care.

Why the location remains disputed

The proposed site is near the Rescue Mission and about 800 feet from St. Paul’s Lutheran School. That proximity has made location, safety, security and neighborhood effects the central points of disagreement.

School representatives and other residents have said they support doing more to address homelessness but question whether the downtown site is appropriate. City officials have argued that the location is close to people who already use nearby shelter, food and health services and is accessible by sidewalks and public transportation.

The school’s proximity alone does not determine whether the center would be legal, safe or approved. Those questions remain part of the broader review by City Hall and the Fort Wayne City Council.

What the proposed center would provide

According to the city and reporting from WBOI, the planned center would be open around the clock and offer basic services such as restrooms, showers, laundry access and emergency beds. It also would coordinate connections to housing, employment and health care.

The low-barrier model would not require visitors to be completely sober before entering. City officials have said the proposal would still include a code of conduct, restrictions on weapons and substances on the property, and planned security and operating rules. Those measures are proposed safeguards, not services or protections already operating at the site.

The city has also described safe parking as part of the plan for people living in vehicles. Officials say the center is intended to reduce the need for people to remain outside while waiting for services or shelter. The initial proposal includes emergency beds, with the possibility of expanding to permanent beds later, but the project has not received final approval.

What the city found about other locations

After the council delayed a funding decision, the mayor’s office reviewed properties suggested by council members and the public. A July 23 report from 21Alive said the city had researched 46 locations as of July 20.

City staff screened properties using criteria that included zoning, at least 20,000 square feet, parking for at least 30 vehicles, courtyard space, distance from downtown, sidewalk access and whether a new building would be required. The first screening left 13 locations for further review, but officials identified challenges involving existing businesses, zoning, environmental concerns, distance or construction needs.

A second evaluation ranked sites by the number of criteria they failed to meet. The city said none of the 13 sites met every criterion, while five missed only one and 12 missed two. Officials continued to describe the East Washington Boulevard property as the best option, and no alternate site has been selected.

Where the council process stands

Fort Wayne City Council voted 5-3 on June 9 to delay consideration of proposed funding while the city gathered more information about locations, operations, security and neighborhood planning. WBOI reported that the council plans to revisit the matter in September, while Mayor Sharon Tucker has asked for an earlier discussion and possible vote on Aug. 11.

The mayor’s requested date is not the same as a formally adopted council schedule. Residents should watch the official council agenda for the next discussion, any additional staff documents and whether a funding vote is placed on the calendar.

Until the council approves funding and the city completes its review, the proposed site, operating plan, construction timeline and opening date remain unsettled.

Sources

• City of Fort Wayne Engage Fort Wayne project page
• WBOI report on the Anchor Resource Center proposal
• 21Alive report on alternative locations

Look for updates to this story

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