As a result of a surge in donations, Pastor George Esser says the River City Sanctuary on Mitton St. will open at the end of February.
"We're scheduled to open February 28," says Esser. "We'll have 12 beds, down from 16 previously. We're now getting equipment installed. We still need some bedding and mattresses but we're confident we'll be able to make it by the end of February."
He hopes to hire two part time staff members to help anchor a team of volunteers.
In late November, Pastor Esser says they were still $22,000 short of their $85,000 fundraising drive but have since raised about $10,000.
He says they will have a neighborhood meeting Wednesday, February 15 at 7pm at the River City Vineyard to update residents on their plans.
